Swede Surrender
Written: Jan 07 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: relatively inexpensive, mixes well, subtle flavor
Cons: nope
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| ChristineDale's Full Review: Absolut Vodka |
I have hesitated to write a Vodka review because I know all vodkas are not created equal... and I am sure that out there is some afficionado with an astute sense of perfect bouquet and taste who can afford all those gorgeous bottles of Chopin and more prestigious names and who will shun my simpler tastes (and smaller purse). But for those who just want a little spirit-ual education, I'm gonna give it a go, and tell you what I know about America's number one imported vodka.
Absolut Vodka is distilled from winter wheat and well water in the town of Ahus, Sweden. Sweden? you say, looking puzzled. Sure, you thought all vodka came from Russia or Poland, right? Broaden your horizons a little. On my last visit to Poland I did, in fact, purchase a bottle of vodka in the airport duty-free shop (surreptitiously, of course, as I was chaperoning a high school trip - but that's another story). I proudly brought the stuff home, eager to share my secreted spirits with less-travelled friends. Can I just say ... cough medicine?! I guess that's what you get for ten thousand zloty in a Polish airport. It was overly strong and, well, just nasty. But now for something completely different...
As I understand, vodka is not supposed to hold a strong flavor. It is in the non-flavor that the beauty is found, much like the way Evian is much better than tap water because you can't taste the flouride and existing impurities. As I mentioned, Absolut is made only from the winter wheat grain and is constantly distilled to rid the final product of impurities. What remains is a clear, smooth vodka with mild aroma and subtle flavor. Absolut is 40% alcohol, or 80 proof.
Vodka, like wine, increases in cost in direct proportion to its excellence. But I have to say that Absolut is the very best vodka in its price range.
What I love about Absolut
Absolut is a mid-range vodka, meaning it is not as highly distilled nor as highly priced as many others. When last in the liquor store, it took everything in me to deny myself the fabulous tall bottle with the stained glass etching and reach for the familiar squat shape of ol' reliable. Maybe after I get a car that runs I'll indulge in the expensive ($32) bottle (and write a review) but for my last party I stuck with a name I know and trust :Absolut.
Absolut is clear and smooth and mixes very well with just about anything you can think of, from other liquors to fruit juices. It has only a subtle flavor (that's a good thing, remember) and is readily found in restaurants, bars and liquor stores.
I consider vodka to be "my drink" and I must say, it didn't take long before I learned to order "Absolut and Tonic" rather than "vodka and tonic", because if you don't order by name you can get a really nasty, strong-flavored glass of very cheap swill. Even my husband knows to order Absolut and tonic for me when we are out.
Who should buy Absolut?
If you have your own home bar, buy it. If you are starting your own home bar, buy it. If you are bringing a gift to a party, trying to find something other than margaritas for your repertoire, have fifteen bucks burning a hole in your pocket, buy it.
This is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys a vodka drink, or wants to experiment. It will not leave you medicine-mouthed, and though as I have said, it is not the Cadillac of the vodka world, it will give you a grand introduction to what things may come.
If you are a drink snob, on the other hand, this may not suit your pretensions.
What occasions might be appropriate for Absolut?
I always have Absolut on hand at any party I throw where I have a bar. This Christmas my forty friends polished off about a liter and a half of the stuff. (Not to mention the Midori, Malibu, Blackhaus and other assorted empty bottles decorating my recycling-bin.) Right now I am looking at a brand new liter bottle which I am sure is not long for this world, either.
Absolut is an all year round drink. It can be mixed with fruit juices for cool summer drinks or with tonic before dinner, or used as a gin substitute in any martini recipe. You can find it anywhere, and can order with confidence even in front of your boss or on a blind date.
Some of my favorite ways to enjoy Absolut are:
Green Frog
(This one is for a Summer party)
One liter Absolut vodka
Three to Five gallons limeade
One half gallon lemon sherbet
...Mix and serve in an Igloo spouted five gallon thermos
Absolut and Tonic
1 1/4 oz. Absolut vodka
tonic
...add to a glass filled with ice and garnish with lime
Gimlet
(one of my absolute favorites...no pun intended)
1 1/4 oz. Absolut vodka
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
...mix in a glass with ice, strain & serve in a cocktail glass
Seabreeze
1 1/4 oz. Absolut vodka
Cranberry juice
Grapefruit juice
...pour vodka over ice, fill halfway with grapefruit juice and top with cranberry juice
...this was the old standby when my friends and I first started drinking.
If you have a little time on your hands, you can learn more about Absolut at www.absolut.com where you'll find history, pictures, flavor information, and of course, their famous advertising campaign with the recognizable bottle. If you like this spirit, be adventurous and try one of the flavored varieties - you may find a new passion! In fact, you may find this spirit absolut-ly irresistible!
P.S. Take a cab - don't drink and drive!!!!!!!!!!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
ChristineDale
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Member: Christine
Location: Warren, NJ
Reviews written: 51
Trusted by: 26 members
About Me:
God Bless America
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