Absolut Sensations Tropical Fruit Flavored Vodka

This is the first release in Absolut's Sensations line, a lower-alcohol series made in Åhus from southern Swedish winter wheat and soft local well water. The base is the brand's clean, continuously distilled wheat spirit, then flavoured with tropical fruit and given a subtle kick of Szechuan pepper, which brings a tingling, citrus-edged spice rather than raw heat. Cut to a light 20% by volume, it sits between a vodka and a flavoured aperitif, designed for long, easy drinking where the fruit and pepper lead.

The nose is fruity and light, with tropical fruit and a peppery edge. The palate is fresh and mild, the tropical fruit lifted by that Szechuan tingle, finishing long and gently spiced. The low strength makes it best as a tall serve: pour 60ml over ice, top with a clear lemonade and add a wedge of lime, letting the fizz stretch the fruit while the pepper keeps it from turning flat and sweet.