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Copper, when exposed to water and air, will slowly develop a verdigris patina on its surface, transforming its bright bronzy gleam into a tarnished teal skin. So why have the copper caps enclosing each bottle of Tito’s Handmade Vodka resisted any sign of aging at all? Because they’re made of plastic, of course.

Like certain other controversial aspects of the vodka’s packaging, its iconic copper detailing is more superficial than material. Still, after 27 years in business, Austin, Texas’s homegrown booze brand is looking as polished as ever. Today, Tito’s is the most-consumed spirit in America, selling over 12 million cases (that’s about 43 Olympic-size swimming

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