Absolut Vodka 100@ 750ml

The Story of Vodka

Until its commercial rebirth, vodka has the horrible connotation of being a drink for people who "didn't know better". This was due to the low quality of the available products, many of which were inadequately filtered and full of impurities.

Originally created as a fermented potato brew, vodka has been seen as an alcoholic symbol for Eastern Europe for generations, as stereotypes still abound of hairy Russian men drinking it like water. This is frighteningly untrue, as vodka has always also been the alcoholic beverage of choice of the Russian nobility. Within the last 3-4 years, however, the spirit has had a resurgence of popularity, making an even bigger commercial comeback than Cher. Premium and super-premium vodkas are being unveiled at the rate of one a month, and many of them display the incredible delicacy that this drink can have. Each country now wants into the act, looking to its own vodka as a source of national pride, as vodka quality is still an important aspect of many European cultures.

Absolut has paid a key part in the rebirth of commercially viable vodka, thanks more to its marketing genius than by any level of quality. From its world-famous ad campaigns and bottle design, it has built an empire built on an adequate product and un-ending hype.

Tasting Notes

When you open a bottle of Absolut 100, the aroma that hits you is on of isopropyl alcohol or hairspray, something intensely alcoholic. There's none of the traditional vodkas scents, such as citrus or champagne stone, just a burn in the nose.

Sadly enough, the flavor of Absolut 100 follows its scent dogmatically. The flavor here is as delicate as a Mack truck, mounting an assault on your lips, palate and throat. What do I mean by that?

I mean that you should prepare yourself for a tasteless burning concoction that is as unnecessarily aggressive and powerful as it is pathetically bland in terms of flavor and scent.

Caconti vs. 100 proof

I don't object to any strong liquor out there, but I do object to products like Absolut 100 that jack up the proofage on their liquor for only one purpose: to help people gte drunk quicker. Anything with a 100 proof kick on it is extremely dangerous to say the least, especially for those who drink without understanding the difference.

Serving Notes

Once again, let me repeat my suggestion that you don't buy a bottle of Absolut 100. If you insist on buying a bottle I would at least suggest that you use it in ways that mask the poor quality, recipes such as the following:

Caconti's White Russian

1 oz Absolut 100 vodka
1 ? oz Kahlua
Light cream

To Prepare: Combine alcohol in an old-fashioned glass over two ice cubes. Add cream until filled, Serve & Enjoy!

Caconti's Traditional Gimlet

1 1/2 oz Absolut 100 vodka
2/3 oz Lime juice
Lime peel

To Prepare: Mix ingredients in martini shaker with ice, strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish, Serve & Enjoy!

Pricing & Availability

As this is an Absolut product, you'd be hard pressed not to find a bottle of Absolut 100 at your local liquor store. As for the price, this bottle comes in at a painful $25 pricetag.

For that price, on a good day, you could get a highly superior vodka like Stolichnaya, Grey Goose or Teton Glacier. And if you can buy one of these alternatives, I highly recommend that you do...