A small-batch vodka made in Austin, Texas, has found its way onto one of the world’s biggest airlines. Tito’s Handmade Vodka, created by geologist and geophysicist Bert “Tito” Beveridge, is now the exclusive vodka supplier to United Airlines as of May 10, 2013.

While some industry sources say that selling alcohol to airlines is not that profitable, since drinks are often complimentary in Business or First Class, it’s nonetheless a big deal for Tito’s, which is relatively small and virtually unknown outside the U.S., Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Tito’s, a Beverage Information Group Fast Track Growth Brand, is on fire. The vodka, which is distilled six times in an old-fashioned pot still, grew 46% last year, reaching 850,000 9-liter cases.

Being a vodka option on United is a huge opportunity for Tito’s to get the word out to more people. Vodka is the top-selling spirit on airplanes, as it is in the U.S.; it is also quite competitive.

For more on the story, see the Reuters article and the United Airlines press release. For more on vodka, see Vodka Variables in the May 2013 issue of Cheers.