Everybody knows that the Russian and Polish national spirit, made from rye malt and often potato starch, is vodka. However, one of the most popular premium vodkas on today’s market actually comes from Sweden, first appearing in 1979. Distilled from grain grown in the fields of Southern Sweden, Absolut was conceived as a pure product with its own peculiar Swedish identity. The distinctive bottle design was inspired by an antique medicine bottle, while the minimalist logo and absolutely clear glass emphasize the simplicity and purity of the product. The brands advertising has become as iconic as Coca-Cola's.
To produce Absolut, an alcoholic base is made from locally grown grain, then continuously distilled to produce a high strength spirit. The spirit is then filtered and finally diluted with pure water to 40% alcohol before bottling.
Tasting note: 'Very neutral on the nose with just a touch of cereal aroma and a hint of alcohol. Very good mouth feel, dryish in style but with some very light hints of caramelization. Just touches of needle from the alcohol. Sweetish but rather short on the finish. I maintain that this makes one of the finest vodka tonics in the world, perhaps because the mouth feel of the vodka lends a bit more weight to the mixture that other, lighter vodkas. Alternatively, put it in the freezer to drink ice-chilled when it becomes thick in texture, smooth, and very dry. 40% alc./vol.' - Desmond Begg, The Vodka Companion. |
