Absolut Lime Flavored Vodka

Absolut makes its flavoured range at Åhus in southern Sweden, on the same continuous-distillation wheat base that defines the house style. For Lime, the distillery adds real lime extract rather than synthetic flavouring, so the citrus reads as fresh peel and juice rather than sweet candy. The winter wheat base gives a soft, slightly sweet body that cushions the tartness, while the continuous still keeps the spirit clean and clear so the lime sits cleanly on top. There is no added sugar masking the fruit, which is why the lime comes through sharp and natural at the standard 40%.

The nose is bright with freshly squeezed lime and a hint of lemon peel. The palate balances tangy citrus against the gentle sweetness of the wheat, with a light savoury depth underneath, and the finish is long and refreshing. To play that natural lime straight, build a Caipiroska: muddle fresh lime wedges with a little sugar in the glass, fill with crushed ice and pour the Absolut Lime over the top, so the real fruit and the lime extract reinforce each other instead of competing.