Absolut Grapefruit Flavored Vodka

Absolut is made in Ahus, Sweden, from hardy winter wheat and pure local water, and the whole range shares that soft, wheat-driven base. This Grapefruit expression adds natural grapefruit flavour with no added sugar, so the citrus reads as genuine fruit rather than syrup. Wheat gives the rounded mouthfeel that carries the flavour, and unlike many flavoured vodkas this one stays at a full 40% by volume, keeping enough strength to stand up in a built drink. The grapefruit itself is well judged, balancing fresh acidity, a slight bitterness and just enough sweetness to keep it from turning sour.

The nose is fresh and clearly grapefruit, with a citrus lift. The palate is soft and harmonious, an intense bittersweet grapefruit note over a subtle sweetness, finishing dry, fruity and mild with a gently bitter edge. The grapefruit and bitterness point straight at a Paloma: pour 50ml over ice in a highball, add a squeeze of fresh lime and a pinch of salt, top with grapefruit soda, and garnish with a grapefruit wedge, the salt and soda amplifying the fruit already in the spirit.