Absolut Sensations Vodka 700 ml...
Condition: New. Unopened bottle with intact seal and original label.
Lost Distillery/Brand: Active — produced by The Absolut Company (Pernod Ricard).
Fill level: Full.
Category: Flavoured Vodka.
Distillery: The Absolut Company, Åhus, Sweden.
Bottler: Distillery Bottling.
Bottling series: Absolut Sensations.
Vintage/Bottling Date: Modern release (2023).
Stated Age: Unaged (vodka).
Cask type: Not cask aged — continuous column distillation with added natural flavours.
Strength: 20% Vol.
Size: 700 ml.
Colouring: None — natural.
Chill-filtered: Yes (standard for vodka).
Bottle code: Not stated.
Country of origin: Sweden.
Market: Global.
Description:
Absolut Sensations is a lively twist on the classic Swedish vodka, infused with natural tropical fruit flavours and a hint of vanilla. Launched to inspire new cocktails and easy mixers, Sensations delivers Absolut’s trademark purity with a fresh, exotic taste profile — perfect for modern vodka drinkers looking for a smooth, fruity spirit.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance/Colour: Crystal clear.
Nose: Bright aromas of juicy mango, passionfruit and a soft vanilla sweetness.
Palate: Silky texture with notes of tropical fruit salad, a touch of citrus and creamy vanilla undertones.
Finish: Clean and smooth with lingering fruity sweetness.
Distillery History:
Absolut Vodka is one of the most well-known and widely consumed premium vodka brands in the world, renowned for its clean taste, stylish marketing, and distinctively simple bottle design. The brand's history is deeply rooted in Swedish heritage, innovation, and creative marketing.
1. Origins in Sweden (1879):
The origins of Absolut Vodka date back to 1879 when Swedish entrepreneur Lars Olsson Smith, known as the "King of Vodka," introduced a new method of distilling vodka called continuous distillation. This method resulted in a cleaner, purer vodka compared to traditional distillation methods. Smith marketed this vodka under the name Absolut Rent Brännvin, which means "Absolutely Pure Vodka." His vodka quickly became popular in Sweden for its superior quality.
- Continuous Distillation: Unlike the traditional three or four times distillation process, continuous distillation involves repeated cycles of purification, resulting in an exceptionally clean and smooth vodka.
2. Brand Relaunch in 1979:
Although Absolut was originally introduced in the 19th century, the modern brand as we know it today was relaunched in 1979 by the Swedish state-owned company Vin & Sprit AB (which later became part of Pernod Ricard). The relaunch was aimed at the U.S. market, where Absolut quickly gained a foothold in the highly competitive premium vodka category.
- Absolut’s Iconic Bottle: The design of Absolut’s bottle was inspired by an 18th-century Swedish apothecary bottle. Its clean, transparent look, with minimal labeling and the famous "Absolut" name, set it apart from other vodka brands at the time. The absence of a traditional label gave it a sleek, modern appearance.
3. Marketing Revolution:
One of the key factors behind Absolut Vodka's success was its groundbreaking and creative marketing campaign. Absolut’s advertising, developed by TBWA (an ad agency), became legendary and is considered one of the most successful marketing campaigns in history.
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Absolut Bottle Campaign: The brand’s iconic ad campaign featured the bottle in a wide range of artistic contexts, often using humor, creativity, and cultural references. The first ad, “Absolut Perfection,” showed the Absolut bottle with a halo, setting the tone for a series of advertisements that would span decades. Artists like Andy Warhol and Keith Haring contributed to the campaign, further associating the brand with art and modern culture.
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Pop Culture Connection: Absolut Vodka became synonymous with creativity, fashion, and nightlife, which appealed to younger, urban consumers. The brand frequently collaborated with artists, musicians, and designers to create limited-edition bottles and campaigns.
4. Global Expansion:
Following its success in the United States, Absolut Vodka expanded globally throughout the 1980s and 1990s, becoming one of the best-selling premium vodka brands worldwide. The brand continued to innovate by introducing flavoured vodkas, which were relatively new at the time. In 1986, Absolut launched its first flavoured vodka, Absolut Peppar, followed by other successful flavours like Absolut Citron (introduced in 1988), which became the basis for the famous Cosmopolitan cocktail.
5. Pernod Ricard Acquisition (2008):
In 2008, Absolut Vodka’s parent company, Vin & Sprit AB, was acquired by the French multinational Pernod Ricard for $6 billion. The acquisition allowed Pernod Ricard to expand its portfolio and helped Absolut continue its global growth.
6. Sustainability and Production:
Absolut prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and its Swedish heritage. The vodka is still produced in the small town of Åhus, where Lars Olsson Smith first introduced the product. Absolut uses locally sourced winter wheat and water from a deep well in Åhus. The company emphasizes environmentally responsible production practices, including reducing water consumption and promoting carbon neutrality in its distillation process.
7. Flavoured Vodka Innovations:
In recent years, Absolut has expanded its range of flavoured vodkas, experimenting with bold flavours like Absolut Mango, Absolut Raspberri, Absolut Vanilla, and limited-edition seasonal and experimental releases. The brand's approach to flavour innovation helped spark the flavoured vodka trend globally.
8. Cultural Impact and Legacy:
Absolut Vodka remains a significant player in global pop culture. From art collaborations to music partnerships and global ad campaigns, the brand is consistently aligned with creativity and modern lifestyle. Its influence on cocktail culture, especially through drinks like the Cosmopolitan, is undeniable.
Summary:
Absolut Vodka's history is a tale of Swedish craftsmanship, innovative distillation, and game-changing marketing. From its humble beginnings with Lars Olsson Smith in the 19th century to its relaunch in 1979 and global domination in the following decades, Absolut Vodka is known for its smooth, clean taste, bold flavours, and artistic approach to branding. Today, it is one of the world’s most recognizable and beloved vodka brands.
CERTIFICATIONS AND AWARDS:
Absolut Vodka expressions, including Sensations, have been recognised for their quality at global competitions like the International Spirits Challenge and IWSC. The Absolut Company is certified for sustainable production, 100% CO₂-neutral distillation, and local sourcing of raw materials.
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