Absolut Elyx - a true luxury vodka

Who: Absolut Vodka was launched in New York in 1979 and immediately made its mark in the world of design and the vibrant party scene of the 70s. In and amongst its flashy competitors, Absolut stayed true to its Swedish roots with minimalist design and based its original bottle on the 18th-century medicine bottle. This was just the start as they went on to collaborate with Andy Warhol in 1985 and have since collaborated with over 550 artists. Whilst the entirety of their production remains in Sweden to this day, the brand has continued to evolve and in 2013 Absolut finally released their ultra-premium, small-batch vodka, the Elyx. 

 
What: Every drop of Elyx is grown and produced within a 15 miles radius of Åhus, southern Sweden. Unusually, it is made from a winter wheat grown on a single estate - Råbelöf estate - in Åhus. Due to its perfect situation, this estate has been producing top quality wheat since the 1400s. The wheat is then manually distilled in a copper column still from 1921. Alongside the body still being entirely made of copper, every distillation also uses thousands of copper packets which have a catalytic effect, removing impurities from the vodka but also giving it a rich, textured character that elevates it above most other vodkas. The label is a homage to the use of the copper still and how this challenges the conventional ways of making hand-crafted vodka.

How I love to drink it: If you’ve ever frequented the Connaught Bar or nestled in at Duke’s, you’ll know that the Martini is one hell of a suave tipple and a highly appropriate start to any evening (or afternoon..?). It's also a fabulously simple cocktail to whip up at home and will allow the original flavour of the Elyx vodka to sing.

Top your mixing glass high with fresh ice and pour over 1½ parts vodka, ½Lillet blanc. Stir and strain into a martini glass. Finish with a lemon twist or olives to taste!

I also highly recommend pouring a serve straight over ice and enjoying on a balmy evening to really appreciate the complexity and delicacy of this world-class vodka!