Known as one of the biggest premium vodka brands globally, Absolut Vodka is synonymous with art, culture and nightlife.
Its reliable taste and world-famous advertising campaigns have made Absolut a household name and industry leader, well-regarded as one of the best vodkas in the world.
History and origin
Absolut was the creation of Lars Olsson Smith, who introduced what he dubbed “Absolut Rent Brännvin,” the “absolutely pure vodka,” in 1879. The vodka saw little success until 1979, when Lars Lindmark, the CEO at Vin & Sprit, introduced the brand to the American market where vodka was considered a luxury people paid high prices for.
This strategy paid off, and by 1980, Absolut Vodka had become synonymous with the trendy Manhatten cocktail bar scene. Through clever advertising and market campaigns, Absolut soon became an industry titan, enjoying global success as one of Sweden’s most famous brands.
Where is Absolut Vodka from?
Absolut is produced in Åhus, a small town in Skåne county, Sweden, where the brand was founded.
What makes Absolut Vodka different?
Absolut stands out from the rest due to its commitment to using natural ingredients harvested from the bountiful South Swedish countryside. From winter wheat grown in Åhus to pristine water locally tapped from 140-metre-deep wells, all of it is sourced from a single place, ensuring that no matter where you are, you can always expect the same high quality from a bottle of Absolut.
What are the Absolut Vodka flavours?
The iconic brand features a wide variety of flavours for the connoisseur to enjoy. Here are just a few available here:
- Absolut Vodka: The original, made from natural, sustainably sourced ingredients with no added sugars. It’s as clean as vodka should be.
- Absolut Citron: Launched in 1988, the lemony taste of this bottle made it a popular cocktail ingredient.
- Absolut Mandrin: Introduced in 1999, this vodka perfectly encapsulates the sweet-sour flavour of mandarin orange. Mix with ginger ale for the perfect summer refreshment.
- Absolut Elyx: Distilled in a vintage copper still, this vodka is the height of luxury. With its rich and smooth mouthfeel and sweet notes of buttery caramel and rye flavour, it is no wonder its makers called it ‘liquid silk’.
How much alcohol is in Absolut Vodka?
Absolut vodka’s alcohol percentage is 40%.
Tasting notes
The original Absolut vodka has a slightly doughy smell with hints of black pepper. The palate is clean, with slight tastes of black pepper and brown bread and faint hints of soda, vanilla and liquorice. It finishes with a peppery aftertaste flavoured with soda and liquorice notes.
Food pairings
While commonly thought of as a cocktail mixer, in Russia and Poland, vodka is more widely served with food. Basically, anything smoked, pickled or cured works well. Here are some examples you can choose for your next party:
- Caviar
- Smoked fish of any kind, including salmon or mackerel
- German and Polish-style sausages
- Smoked hams or pork tenderloin
- Dried or smoked beef
- Steak tartare
- Beetroot in all forms – salads, pickles or soup
- Cucumbers – especially in a salad or pickled
- Creamy or salty cheeses
- Dark breads like rye and pumpernickel
The grainy notes of Absolut Vodka also pair well with fresh seafood dishes, especially sushi or live oysters on the half-shell, while the smooth texture helps tame the heat from spicy dishes like curry.
What does Absolut Vodka mix well with?
Thanks to its clean, neutral flavour profile, vodka is a common base in cocktails. From simple two-ingredient mixes to more complex creations, vodka is a true jack-of-all-trades in mixology.
Here are some cocktail recipes that you can make using Absolut as a base:
- Moscow Mule
- Long Island Ice Tea
- Cosmopolitan
- Black Russian
- White Russian
- Bloody Mary
- Mojito
Do you drink Absolut straight?
Yes. The truly adventurous will drink their Absolut Vodka straight, no mixers added! For many enthusiasts, drinking vodka straight will better highlight the clean taste and smooth, silky mouthfeel.
The most common method of drinking vodka straight is taking room-temperature shots. But for something as high-quality as Absolut, the best way to enjoy it is by sipping it slowly from a tumbler.
Notable Awards
As one of the biggest vodka brands in the world, it should be no surprise that Absolut’s commitment to quality has been honoured with numerous awards and accolades:
- December 1980 – First Prize at the Art Directors Club in New York
- Absolut Elyx – the first vodka to be rated 96 points out of 100 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
- San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013 – Absolut Elyx won the Double Gold Medal in the Vodka Category and Best Vodka
Embrace the Legacy of Absolut Vodka
Connoisseurs, enthusiasts, and novices alike enjoy Absolut’s clean, silky flavour. Buy a bottle of Absolut Vodka at the best price in Malaysia now! You will enjoy sharing the legendary taste with your friends and family.