Introduction To Vodka Where When And What
Vodka is a distilled beverage, also known as a spirit, that is comprised of ethanol and water. It can also contain other ingredients for flavoring. The spirit has been around for quite some time, however, its exact creation time frame is a hotly debated subject among vodka historians. While there are some historical records dating back to the 14th century mentioning a product similar to vodka, it is likely that these were very low ABV medicinal drinks. Vodka in a more modern format can be seen in writings from the mid-15th and 16th centuries. In either case, vodka has been in existence at least as long as many other popular spirits like cognac or Scotch whisky.
How Many Times Is Absolut Vodka Distilled
This brand of vodka is distilled twice using a method that is called continuous distillation. This is very different than batch distillation because the alcohol spirits that are distilled are cycled back and forth so the finished product is very pure. Its also very effective for fermenting wheat mash.
This allows only 8% of fermented mash to turn into crude alcohol, but when its cycled back and forth, it refines the spirits. It can go on to create alcohol levels as high as 85-90%, which is 170-180 proof for each continuous batch that is distilled.
The Best Cocktails To Make With Absolut Vodka
The skys the limit when it comes to creating cocktails with Absolut Vodka. Use the brands Original Vodka as a base for cocktails with strong flavors, or let your inner mixologist shine by playing around with any number of Absoluts flavored bottles. As a rule of thumb, let the mixers do the talking and only use one flavor of vodka at a time.
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Is Absolut Vodka Sustainable
The brands effort to remain extremely sustainable earned them the title Earths Favorite Vodka. The distillery in Ahus is carbon neutral after cutting off more than 45 percent of its regular emissions.
The byproducts of the winter wheat are given back to farmers as fodder for the pigs and cows.
Even the Absolut bottles are recycled. Ardagh Group, a global supplier of sustainable packaging, personally created limited edition recycled glass bottles for the brand and called it the Absolut Comeback. It is made from 41 percent recycled glass bottles.
It can be used for a number of other things, too. In fact, artist Andy Warhol personally uses the products as an aftershave.
How Much Is Absolut Vodka
Earlier this year, Absolut, a Swedish brand of vodka, launched just 800 bottles of its Absolut Crystal limited edition, priced at $1,000, in duty-free stores across the United States. Each glass decanter was handblown, hand-cut, and hand-engraved by designers Skogsberg & Smart. Each one is also assigned a number, ranging from one to eight hundred.
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How To Drink Absolut Vodka
A casual and carefree spirit, its easy to enjoy vodka in plenty of different ways. The wide range of flavors available from Absolut means youll want to sample at least a few of them without any accompaniments.
But, when youre looking for a drink with a difference, Absoluts variety gives plenty of room for experimentation. Unlike other spirits, theres no one particular glassware needed just make sure your Absolut is served chilled.
A Brief History Of Absolut Vodka
Absolut Vodka, as we know it today was unleashed into the world in 1979. That may be a bit too simplistic.
A bunch of tall blond-haired Swedes didnt show up to grocery stores around the globe on January 1st, 1979, and start peddling their vodka. There is some history that led to the worldwide release of Absolut Vodka in 1979.
Lars Olsson Smith started the company that would eventually become Absolut in 1879 in Åhus, Sweden. Thats a full 100 years before 1979.
Lars utilized some new techniques in vodka production that resulted in a very pure version of what people were used to. In 1879, his vodka went by the name Absolut Rent Brännvin, which roughly translates to absolutely pure burn-wine.
Brännvin, or burn-wine, is a Swedish term that includes vodka and akvavit . Burn-wine sounds like an epic drink, but you can see why they decided to use the straightforward vodka when going global.
Going global is just what happened with Absolut after a long period of being controlled by the Swedish government following Lars death.
Once launched, Absolut Vodka became popular due to a combination of its smooth vodka and its slick marketing campaigns.
Absolut Vodka used an ad campaign that typically showed a bottle of Absolut with some sort of statements like Absolut Attitude, Absolut Original, or Absolut Appeal.
Pernod Ricard also owns Chivas Regal, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and Malibu Coconut-Flavored Rum. Absolut Vodka is still produced in Sweden.
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How Much Is A Bottle Of Cheap Vodka
The Birthplace Of Vodka
Vodka can be traced back to three separate origins: Poland, Sweden, and Russia. Again, the history can be a bit fuzzy and of course pride gets in the way of accuracy so the answer to who had it first depends on who you ask. Both Polish and Russian vodka goes way back, and Sweden has been making a spirit that is essentially vodka called brännvin since the 15th century. Nailing down a specific birthplace for vodka is impossible but these three countries each claim their style of vodka as their own.
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Best Overall: New Amsterdam Vodka
Courtesy of Drizly
Launched in 2011, New Amsterdam Vodka is a relatively young superstar in the vodka category and a favorite of the frugal drinker. This California spirit is distilled five times from American grains and goes through a three-stage filtration.
The brand’s flavored vodka line is filled with fun and tasty finds. The red berry variety is one of the portfolio’s originals, while the coconut option rivals similar products from top-shelf brands. Beyond that, if you’re looking for apple, grapefruit, mango, peach, pineapple, or watermelon vodka, New Amsterdam has you covered.
For the price, this vodka is surprisingly smooth. Don’t hesitate to drink it straight or keep it in stock as a go-to for any drink. From the vodka tonic to the spicy bloody mary, New Amsterdam Vodka forms a perfect foundation for any adult beverage, and the flavored vodkas add a fun twist to a rainbow of cocktails.
Region: America | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Nectarine, bittersweet, oily
What About The Calories
Vodka is considered one of the lowest-calorie drinks, unlike wine, beer, or whiskey. The distillation process removes most of its flavor and proteins, so if you want to have fun and skip on the calories, vodka is the drink for you.
A regular serving size, around 1.5 ounces, has the same calories as 1.5 regular-sized apples.
Of course, its also important to take note of the mixers used if you prefer cocktails. High sugar and calorie mixers will, of course, contribute to a higher calorie drink.
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What Makes It Unique
Other vodka brands boast of multiple distillation processes, but Absolut Vodka is distilled infinite times to ensure purity. The spirit is made from Swedish winter wheat and water that comes from a deep well in Ahus. The spirit tastes like creamed wheat with a hint of dried fruit and has an ABV of 40 percent.
Aside from its original product, it also produces 31 equally delicious flavored spirits, the most popular of which include Absolut Citron Vodka and Absolut Mandrin Vodka.
Is Absolut Vodka Top Shelf
Absolut, Ketel One, Van Gogh, and Titos are among the most popular brand names when it comes to top-shelf vodka. Its true that these are premium brands, but their prices are also quite reasonable. Many of them have impressive flavors as well, and they never let you down when it comes to making a great vodka cocktail.
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Interesting Facts About Absolut Vodka
Absolut vodka is a premium Sweden Vodka, manufactured in the villages of Ahus, and is now being sold in 126 countries across the world. Its creation dates back to 1879. Over the years, strong whimsical marketing and campaigning have played a huge role in making it reach every drinkers mouth. It is probably the only firm that uses its distilled waste by-products to feed cattle like cows and pigs, as it is a rich source of protein and fiber.
Not just that, Absolut is a huge art lover firm, and they have an Absolut art collection in the museum of Spirits in Stockholm.
Absolut Vodka tastes wonderful when drunk in a cocktail, so you should try that out, boy! Also, if you are a regular drinker, you should know that all vodkas and, of course, Absolut Vodka is a bright drink in the glass, which means it is entirely transparent.
What Is In Vodka
As we have seen, there appears to be a big three group of early vodka producers: Poland, Sweden and Russia. Each of these regions created a similar spirit, however, each area had its own unique twist on the major ingredients. Lets look at each individually.
Polish Vodka
Polish vodka must be made from one of five grains: rye, wheat, barley, oats, or triticale or it must be made from potatoes. Only the potatoes are required to be grown in Poland. Otherwise, the ingredients can be from anywhere as long as it the vodka itself is produced in Poland. The obvious other main ingredient is water, which is filtered and has the minerals removed.
Swedish Vodka
Swedish vodka typically contains two primary ingredients winter wheat and water. The Swedes clearly prefer to keep it simple, as their other ingredient sometimes utilized is potatoes.
Russian Vodka
Many people hear vodka and automatically assume it is from Russia. While we have seen that there are other origins, Russia has taken over the common belief that it is the mother of all vodka production. It may have to do with the stereotype that in Russia, vodka is preferable to water. Russian vodka is similar to Swedish vodka in that it is typically made from two ingredients: either wheat or potatoes, and water.
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Reviewed: Absolut Vodka Product Line
In addition to their classic vodka, Absolut also sells a wide range of flavored options: Vanilla, Mandarin, Peach, Pear, Raspberri, Kurant, Mango, Lime, Grapefruit, Apple, Citron. In addition to their flavored options, Absolut also manufactures some other products like standard vodkas and ready-to-drink cocktails.
- Absolut Elyx
Absolut Elyx is the Absolut brands answer to Grey Goose. Produced using winter wheat grown within 15 miles of the Absolut distillery, ELyx is distilled in antique copper column stills from 1921. It is then bottled in a stylized bottle with a copper color scheme. With a slightly higher ABV, at 42.3%, this is a good vodka for a vodka martini or a vesper.
- Absolut Rainbow
Absolut Rainbow is a limited-edition bottling of the original Absolut vodka, packaged in a rainbow bottle to support LGBTQ causes.
- Absolut America
Another limited edition bottling of the original Absolut, Absolut America comes in a bottle decked out in the American flag.
- Absolut Juice
Absolut Juice is a new product from Absolut, adding fresh juices to their classic vodka for a lower ABV flavored vodka. The idea is to simply mix Absolut juice with soda water for an easy-to-drink and easy-to-make cocktail. Available in strawberry, apple, and pear elderflower flavors.
- Absolut Cans
Absolut Vodka: A Little History
Youve probably already seen the quirky little bottle that houses Absolut Vodka. Unlike other vodka bottles that took inspiration from Russian vodka, the Absolut bottle was designed after ancient Swedish apothecary bottles.
The second thing youll probably notice is the man in the silver medallion at the base of every bottle cap. This man was Lars Olsson Smith.
Smith first produced Absolut Vodka in 1879 in Ahus, Sweden, a mere ferry ride from Stolkholm. Vodkas in Stockholm were monopolized at that time, and so the entrepreneur needed to set up his business someplace else. He offered a free ferry ride to customers to visit his distillery in Ahus and called his product Rent Brannvin. It became highly successful, and at just 22, he became the king of vodkas with half of the entire spirits sales of the country under his name.
In 1917, though, the government took full control of alcohol production in Sweden, and consequently, Rent Brannvin. The liquor was renamed Absolut Rent Brannvin, which translates to absolutely pure vodka. The brand enjoyed little success under the governments ownership.
Absolut Vodka was relaunched to the global market in 1979 and dropped the words Rent and Brännvin from its name. Alcohol giant Pernod Ricard bought the brand from the Swedish state for 5.63 billion in 2008.
Absolut sells over 3.5 million 9-liter cases just in the United States alone.
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Whats With All The Potatoes
As vodka was first being produced, aristocrats in both Sweden and Russia dictated that only noblemen could produce the spirit. Thus, not everyone could make or afford to drink what quickly became a popular liquor. However, in a tale as old as time, the poorer folks determined they could use a cheap ingredient and make a good enough quality vodka. Eventually, vodka production became commercialized and it was unnecessary for people to make the spirit at home. However, many producers still use potatoes in their recipes and there are plenty of popular potato vodka brands on the market from all over the world.
Best Sweet: Pinnacle Whipped Flavored Vodka
Courtesy of Wine Chateau
Pinnacle Vodka was at the heart of the dessert vodka boom, producing a variety of novelty whipped cream, cake, and pie flavors. This French vodka built a name on stretching the limits of what you thought vodka should be. Distilled five times from wheat, the popular brand has released some rather bizarre flavors over the years.
While the original vodka is good, Pinnacle grabs cocktail lovers’ attention with flavors. Although they’ve narrowed the selection considerably, Pinnacle Whipped Vodka remains a favorite to many. The added sweetness is gentle enough that you know its vodka and not liqueur while reducing some of the alcohols bite. Pinnacle makes delicious cocktails and can add a sweet touch to simple mixed drinks, such as the White Russian.
Region: France | ABV: 35% | Tasting Notes: Sweet, smooth, creamy
Smirnoff Vodka should be almost anywhere you look. It’s one of the most reliable and inexpensive vodkas out there with several flavors to explore. The brand claims to be the world’s most popular vodka and most awarded name in the category.
Region: United States | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Grain, sweetness, spice
Region: Sweden | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Crisp, bold, sweet
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Absolut Vodka Price Sizes & Buying Guide
Looking for an updated Absolut Vodka price guide? The term Vodka Belt may conjure some humorous images depending on the circumstances. It could be a tiny belt that fits perfectly on a bottle of vodka.
A vodka belt could be a logo-covered belt you earn from sending in enough proofs of purchase to a vodka company .
While humorous, those assumptions would be wrong. The vodka belt is a reference to the countries that are known for their production of vodka.
The existence of the vodka belt may be a surprise to some folks who assume that vodka is primarily a Russian beverage. While vodka is huge in Russia, it isnt the only place.
The vodka belt also includes Poland, Ukraine, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
Sweden, in fact, is one of the top consumers and exporters of vodka in the world. This is thanks in no small part to Absolut Vodka. Absolut Vodka is one of the worlds top brands of vodka and spirits in general.
Absolut Vodka Alternatives And Comparisons
Whether you are looking for Swedish vodka, flavored vodka, or any vodka you have options even if you find yourself without access to a bottle of Absolut Vodka.
Svedka is another popular brand of Swedish Vodka that has a global distribution. It is typically a little less expensive than Absolut Vodka but also offers flavored and non-flavored options.
Even though Absolut Peppar is recognized as the first mass-marketed flavored vodka, it certainly wouldnt be the last. In addition to Absolut and Svedka, many other brands have entered the flavored vodka game.
You have Ketel One, Effen, and Cîroc as mid to high-priced flavored vodkas. Pinnacle, Deep Eddy, and Smirnoff are some other mid to low-priced options.
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How Much Does 750ml Of Vodka Cost
A 750ml bottle of Smirnoff No. 1 will vary in price depending on where you live. The price of vodka should typically range from $11 to $14. The cost is 99 dollars to 14 dollars. As well as Smirnoff 80 proof which ranges from $11, Smirnoff also offers a 100 proof . It is 67 dollars 15 dollars. Among them are 99 and 100 proof which range from $16 to $25. I spent 98 dollars and I paid 19.