Tito’s Challenge, a $1,000 bonus to the high-money winner of the NRA Finals

Tito’s Handmade Vodka knows winning.

The brand won the Double Gold Medal for vodka at the San Francisco World Spirits competition and received a four-star rating from the Spirit Journal three times.

Now Tito’s Handmade Vodka wants to celebrate with those who do their work in the dirt.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka is the newest label and sponsor to join forces with the Northern Rodeo Association and Northern Women’s Rodeo Association.

Starting this year, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is providing the added money for the NRA Finals presented by nuWest Builders, scheduled for Oct. 24-26 at the Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka is about the money going back to the contestants.

The three-performance rodeo features the top 10 in each event and the all-around races, competing for year-end gold buckles and championship saddles.

As an added incentive for the cowboys and cowgirls, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is sponsoring Tito’s Challenge, a $1,000 bonus to the high-money winner of the NRA Finals.

The company is also the sponsor for the team roping headers.

“Tito’s Handmade Vodka is an American-made vodka known for its grit, spirit and Texas-style try … qualities found at the heart of the rodeo culture,” said the company in a press release about its new association with the NRA Finals.

“Raise a glass after the first go-round or grab a round of drinks after a weekend in the stands and cheers to the sharing the arena with Tito’s.”

The smooth-tasting vodka has made its name by being made from corn rather than potatoes or wheat. It is distilled six times and unaged.

Founded by Bert “Tito” Beveridge in 1997, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is known world-wide.

Beveridge worked in the oil and gas industry after graduating from the University of Texas. Changing to the mortgage business, Beveridge gave out flavored vodka as gifts to friends in the early 1990s. They encouraged him to take his distinctive drink further but no one wanted to invest in his company.

Beveridge funded the entire operation on 19 personal credit cards, selling his first case in April, 1997.

Before or after the rodeo, it’s always a good time to celebrate with Tito’s Handmade Vodka.