My ABSOLUT Vodka Bottles Collection: 42 Bottles and Counting :: NoGarlicNoOnions: Restaurant, Food, and Travel Stories/Reviews

I still have a lot missing... Searching for the rest. ABSOLUT VODKA was first launched in New York in 1979. It soon became talk of the town, the US and eventually of the world. But the recipe behind the pure and natural taste of ABSOLUT is actually older than 30 years. So is the 18th century medicine flask found in an antique store in Stockholm that gave inspiration to the iconic ABSOLUT VODKA bottle.

ABSOLUT Exposure Using photography in bottle printing is just one of the reasons I am in love with this new bottle. The in-bottle artwork was made by Swedish director, photographer and artist Johan Renck and features actress and model Lydia Hearst representing three different characters, to illustrate the multifaceted nature of every bottle. Three of these characters — called Carter, Trojan and Dimitty — were selected to illustrate the multifaceted nature of every individual, adding diversity to the product offer as well as an intriguing illusory effect to store displays. By purchasing all three bottles, the consumer acquires an instant ABSOLUT limited edition collection. In addition to the images of Lydia Hearst, the bottle décor also features a bowler hat (a trademark of Johan Renck) and hands ”holding” the image, symbolizing the dual role of the artist — powerful in presence yet invisible in the work of art itself.

ABSOLUT Unique ABSOLUT VODKA introduces ABSOLUT UNIQUE – a limited edition of nearly four million uniquely designed and individually numbered bottles. To make every bottle become a one-of-a-kind work of art, ABSOLUT had to re-engineer the entire production process. The colourful, vibrant bottles will be distributed worldwide. Everyone will find a design that catches their eye and becomes a truly personalised gift – or the perfect addition to a party or collection. “ABSOLUT UNIQUE is a daring concept, even for a company as passionate about creativity as ABSOLUT,” says Jonas Tåhlin, Vice President Global Marketing at The Absolut Company. “Anyone could do one or two unique products. We’re making close to four million.”

ABSOLUT ELYX First market launch of new high-end vodka from ABSOLUT Inspired by 500 years of vodka making expertise, ABSOLUT has spent the last decade inventing a new vodka. Crafted from hand-selected estate wheat, and blended with soft and naturally filtered water, ABSOLUT ELYX is a true expression of quality. It is a small-scale vodka, produced according to craft techniques, in an authentic 1929 copper rectification still. The result: a handcrafted super premium vodka with an elegant, silky texture. “Aroma and flavor are the obvious and most immediately striking characteristics of vodka. ABSOLUT ELYX goes beyond that. It has a clean and fresh taste with subtle floral and fruity tones, but its most defining quality lies in the texture. Not detectable by the nose or taste buds, texture determines how the vodka feels in your mouth. ABSOLUT ELYX is elegant and incredibly soft, and leaves you with a silky feeling in your mouth. Try it on its own, and your mouth will know the difference”, says Krister Asplund, master distiller at The Absolut Company. To create ABSOLUT ELYX, Krister Asplund returned to the roots of vodka making, while still addressing contemporary demands of traceability and innovation. He sourced the finest wheat and water, put a 1929 rectification still back into use, and refined copper catalyzation. These four factors are equally important in the production of this exceptional vodka, and they are outlined in the ABSOLUT ELYX manifesto, which guarantees long-term quality and an everlasting commitment to perfection.

ABSOLUT Miami Absolut Miami is a perfect choice for those who want to capture the essence of the Miami nightlife in a glass. It is purely exotic, fun, enjoyable. Flavored with passionfruit and orange blossoms, Absolut Miami is also a great choice for making high-end cocktails at home with very little effort. A simple vodka and soda mix is transformed into a fashionable cocktail with the addition of Absolut Miami. Chilled straight shots of it are sure to kick start the next girls’ night out or bachelorette party.

ABSOLUT Istanbul On April 6, 2012, the second European limited edition bottle in the Absolut Cities series was revealed. The new bottle is called ABSOLUT ISTANBUL and the design is by Yigit Yazici, an artist living and working in Istanbul who credits Expressionism, Pop Art and the CoBRA movement as the biggest influences on his work. The new design for ABSOLUT heavily reflects Yazici’s artistic style and features both the Galata Tower and the Bosphorus – emblems of the historic city.

ABSOLUT London ABSOLUT vodka has commissioned Jamie Hewlett to create a special limited edition Absolut London bottle, in celebration of London’s creativity and rich style heritage. Set against a London backdrop, the bottle introduces key characters from the past who have influenced and shaped London’s present fashion scene, from a Dickensian gent and 18th Century Dandy, through to Pinstripe gent, 60’s chick, SKA, Punk and 80’s Casual. The world’s most iconic vodka launches ABSOLUT® LONDON, the biggest and most high profile city series edition ABSOLUT has ever released. The latest limited-edition from ABSOLUT is a collaboration with one of the UK’s leading graphic artists, Jamie Hewlett. Designed by London creative and visionary Jamie Hewlett, the bottle is a unique take on London’s style and fashion pioneers over the past 200 years. "London has such a fascinating and rich history which has inspired me over the years. For ABSOLUT London I chose to re-create 7 iconic characters from different eras who are largely defined by their style as well as their impactful contribution to London's culture at the time." says Jamie Hewlett.

ABSOLUT Bling-Bling In 2010, DFS Galleria, the world leader in luxury travel retail, celebrates 50 years of exceptional retail service. To mark its long and rewarding partnership with Absolut Vodka, the chain and the alcohol brand once again joined together in a unique venture and brought back the popular Absolut Bling-Bling gift pack—with a brand new, powerful and attractive vibe from the 60s, that golden era of cocktails.

ABSOLUT Disco Last year Absolut's holiday packaging was all about gold and bling. This year they've gone even flashier with the Absolut Disco. The one-liter Absolut Disco gift pack is built of exactly 1,000 reflecting prisms which serve as a bottle package and can be put into use as a disco ball. The Absolut Disco is a clamshell package that opens to reveal the bottle. The empty gift pack has a loop for hanging. Created by FamilyBusiness Creations

ABSOLUT 100

ABSOLUT 100 is an intense, yet exceptionally smooth super premium vodka. Even a small amount gives the total ABSOLUT 100 experience. The stylish black bottle stands out from the ordinary, enhancing the luxurious treat.

In 1879, Lars Olsson Smith introduced the continuous distillation with which he made Absolut Rent Bränvin (Absolute Pure Vodka). Instead of the usual three or four times, the vodka was distilled an infinite number of times. 100 years later, it was reintroduced as ABSOLUT. Just as the original ABSOLUT VODKA, ABSOLUT 100 is produced in Åhus, L.O. Smith’s birth town. Also the place where the wheat used for making the vodka is grown. And since the way ABSOLUT 100 is made won’t change, neither will the true taste of vodka.

ABSOLUT Masquerade Last year’s flashy Absolut Disco series sold almost 3 million bottles. The Swedish vodka brand, that is distributed by Pernod-Ricard from October on, wants to tie in with last year’s success. The result: Absolut Masquerade. The new limited gift pack Absolut Masquerade is made from 3238 shiny red sequins, and comes with a zipper in the back. When you unzip the wrapping the label states: "In an Absolut world every night is a masquerade."

ABSOLUT Rock Absolut presents a new stylish rock & roll gift pack and a creative collaboration with Danny Clinch and Wolfmother.

To pay tribute to rock and roll, ABSOLUT, the international leading premium vodka, is launching the ABSOLUT VODKA ROCK EDITION, a limited edition bottle wrapped in a leather- and studs gift package. In its celebration of rock, ABSOLUT has also brought together visionary rock and roll photographer Danny Clinch and the sought-after rock band Wolfmother in a creative collaboration that invites the consumer to take part in the authentic rock and roll lifestyle.

ABSOLUT Watkins The smashing new limited edition flavor from ABSOLUT, created exclusively for global travelers, reflecting all of the excitement, glamour and star quality of the globetrotting fashion world. ABSOLUT WATKINS is a truly innovative new flavor; rich, smooth and sensual in taste and aroma with the distinct, mysteriously luxurious qualities of freshly ground coffee with notes of almond, caramel and warm chilli. The extravagant and glamorous decor of the unique limited edition ABSOLUT WATKINS bottle was created by celebrated Swedish fashion illustrator and artist, Liselotte Watkins, famous for her designs for fashion brands such as Miu Miu, Anna Sui and Barney’s as well as for magazines such as VOGUE and The New Yorker.

ABSOLUT Glimmer After all the successful seasonal gift packs in recent years, ABSOLUT VODKA is now tweaking its design story with the launch of ABSOLUT GLIMMER. Made in crystal pattern-shaped glass, this limited edition bottle is designed to make the present exceptional. ABSOLUT GLIMMER is a perfect gift and collector’s item, which elevates and brings energy to any party or night out. More than 100 markets will launch ABSOLUT GLIMMER during the fall. ABSOLUT GLIMMER is a stylish design concept that challenges the norm of the traditional gift pack. With its glimmering design and crystallic facets, it is a definite eye-catcher. It does not only look stunning. By its mere presence, ABSOLUT GLIMMER inspires people to dress up, shine and always look for those small but precious indulgences.

ABSOLUT Illusion The newest initiative from Absolut Vodka is developed in collaboration with Family Business, the agency behind previous launches such as Absolut Disco, Absolut Rock and Absolut Glimmer. The idea behind the design is to engage the consumer in "embracing the unexpected". To embrace a degree of uncertainty, rather than planning every detail.

ABSOLUT 72变 Absolut is adding another limited-edition bottle to its portfolio. This time, shortly after the brand released its Brooklyn line, Chinese market is going to welcome a new product, Absolut 72变. According to the Chinese calendar, 2010 is a year of Tiger, still, the bottle’s design features a monkey (as a nod to the traditions, the animal’s face has tiger stripes). The new bottle was designed by Gao Yu, a Chinese artist. The name of the edition — Absolut 72变 (ABSOLUT 72 bian/Transform) — refers to an old legend about a monkey god (Sun Wukong), which had a long journey to the east. From his mentors he managed to acquire the powers of the “72 transformations” and now was able to change shapes. Still, the producer preserved the original taste of Absolut for the new edition, so there won’t be any transformations of the flavour.

ABSOLUT Mode Designed in homage to the world of fashion and presented in a bag of crushed velvet, the elegant Absolut Mode bottle is made of 16 facets wrapped within a band of midnight blue silk cloth featuring embroidered text. Shot by renowned fashion photographer and filmmaker, Sharif Hamza, the campaign features model Shannon Click within a mirrored replica of the limited-edition bottle. Created using seductive mirrored effects and mood lighting, Hamza's images are reminiscent of the strong fashion editorials for which he is famed.

ABSOLUT Tropics “Williams Murray Hamm has designed the bottle graphics for Absolut Flavor Of The Tropics, a new limited edition that was available exclusively in Duty Free/Travel Retail globally for a 6 month period. The product offers the travellers a new exotic vodka flavour that is not available in stores back home. Williams Murray Hamm, a leading packaging design agency in the UK, was tasked with putting an ‘Absolut twist’ on tropical fruit. From Florida and the Caribbean to Hawaii and the Seychelles, exotic fruits thrive in the humid weather of the sun-drenched tropics. Williams Murray Hamm’s design expresses the fruit through strikingly bright thermal images of the world map. It offers a brand new look for Absolut that captures this new exotic flavour and offers consumer the perfect souvenir from their intrepid journey.

ABSOLUT Wild Tea Introduced in 2010, ABSOLUT WILD TEA has already become a favorite in many bars and homes. The black tea from China meets a Scandinavian summer day in this premium vodka unlike nothing else. Across the world, there is an explosive consumer interest in tea, but prior to the release of ABSOLUT WILD TEA, the flavor had been overlooked in bars. Combined with Scandinavian elderflower it brings real excitement to any drink. ABSOLUT WILD TEA brings together the dark notes and mysterious richness of black tea, and the delicate character of Scandinavian white elderflower. It has a rich, fresh aroma with hints of red apples, black tea, elderflower and citrus. The taste is smooth, floral, naturally sweet and with a pleasant dryness.

ABSOLUT Grapevine The newest member in the ABSOLUT family is ABSOLUT Grapevine, a new vodka that offers the true taste of white grape, balanced with notes of dragon fruit and papaya. ABSOLUT Grapevine is available in bars, nightclubs and retail nationwide from January 2012. It is made from all-natural ingredients and contains no sugar.

ABSOLUT BERRI AÇAÍ Imagine a sensory encounter with the perfect mix of berry flavors. Fresh blueberry flavor native to Europe and North America, fruity pomegranate from Southwest Asia, and smooth açai from South America. Now imagine these blended with pure premium vodka. And served chilled over ice. Like all ABSOLUT products, ABSOLUT BERRI AÇAÍ contains no sugar and uses only natural ingredients. The açaí, blueberry and pomegranate flavors are blended with vodka distilled from grain grown in the rich fields of southern Sweden. Mixed with club soda, for instance, it conjures up a lazy summer afternoon, even in winter. Combined with simple syrup, lemon juice and a blueberry garnish, it leans in a fanciful direction. And when mixed with the dryness of cranberry juice and orange liqueur it becomes an exceptionally flirty and delicious Cosmopolitan.

ABSOLUT Ruby Red ABSOLUT RUBY RED was introduced in 2006, just a few years after the success with the other citrus flavored members of the family ABSOLUT CITRON and ABSOLUT MANDRIN. The name ABSOLUT RUBY RED is taken from a special kind of red grapefruit. And grapefruit is of course what it tastes like! The main ingredients in ABSOLUT RUBY RED are ABSOLUT VODKA and grapefruit flavor. ABSOLUT VODKA is made from water and winter wheat. The water comes from a deep well in Åhus where it’s protected from impurities. The winter wheat is also grown in Åhus and differs from other crops: it’s sown in fall, and harvested the next one. Days in between it grows under the Swedish snow developing its hard grain. Also, the use of fertilizers is minimized. Of course, the grapefruits are as natural as the rest of the ingredients.

ABSOLUT Raspberri Since wild raspberries are often found in the Swedish hillsides, nothing could be more natural than introducing ABSOLUT RASPBERRI. And so it was, in 2004, 25 years after the introduction of ABSOLUT VODKA. ABSOLUT RASPBERRI is made exclusively from natural ingredients, and unlike most other flavored vodkas, it doesn’t contain any added sugar. It’s rich and intense with the fresh and fruity character of ripened raspberries. The main ingredients in ABSOLUT RASPBERRI are ABSOLUT VODKA and raspberry flavor. ABSOLUT VODKA is made from water and winter wheat. The water comes from a deep well in Åhus where it’s protected from impurities. The winter wheat is also grown in Åhus and differs from other crops: it’s sown one fall, and harvested the next one. Days in between it grows under the Swedish snow developing its hard grain. Also, the use of fertilizers is minimized. The raspberries are as natural as the rest of the ingredients

ABSOLUT Vanilia ABSOLUT VANILIA was launched in 2003. Basically because vanilla is one of the most loved flavors in the world. That fact soon made ABSOLUT VANILIA almost equally popular. The main ingredients in ABSOLUT VANILIA are ABSOLUT VODKA and vanilla flavor. ABSOLUT VODKA is made from water and winter wheat. The water comes from a deep well in Åhus where it’s protected from impurities. The winter wheat is also grown in Åhus and differs from other crops: it’s sown in fall, and harvested the next one. Days in between it grows under the Swedish snow developing its hard grain. Also, the use of fertilizers is minimized. Of course, the vanilla is as natural as the rest of the ingredients.

ABSOLUT Citron ABSOLUT CITRON was good news for “vodka on the rocks with a twist of lemon” fans back in the 80’s (and there were lots of them). More specifically ABSOLUT CITRON was launched in 1988, nine years after ABSOLUT ORIGINAL and two years after the first flavored family member ABSOLUT PEPPER. The success was major among the twist-of-lemon-people, but it also became the main ingredient in the blockbuster drink “Cosmopolitan”.

ABSOLUT Mandrin ABSOLUT MANDRIN was launched in 1999, 20 years after ABSOLUT VODKA. It’s the fourth flavored ABSOLUT in the row after PEPPER, CITRON and KURANT. And since mandarin and orange are among the most popular flavors in the world, ABSOLUT MANDRIN was received with the same enthusiasm as the rest of the family members.

ABSOLUT Pears Introduced in 2007, ABSOLUT PEARS is quite a newcomer in the ABSOLUT family. And as with all talented rookies, the audience soon took it to their hearts. Probably because it’s such a good alternative to other overly sugared alternatives around.

ABSOLUT Mango Just as fellow flavor ABSOLUT PEARS, ABSOLUT MANGO was introduced in 2007. The flavor, quite obviously, is based on mango – a word that’s more or less the same world wide. That in combination with the juicy taste, might very well be the reason behind the instant world wide success.

ABSOLUT Apeach ABSOLUT APEACH was introduced in 2005. It soon found its public around the world, both in Asia where the peach fruit is originally from, and in the part of the world where ABSOLUT is from.

ABSOLUT Orient Apple Apple is one of the most widely cultivated and consumed fruits in the U.S, while ginger, cultivated primarily in South Asia, is known for its juicy but distinct taste and has become one of the most popular spices consumed today. With no sugar or artificial flavors, ABSOLUT ORIENT APPLE mixes well with a wide range of juices and sodas.

ABSOLUT Peppar ABSOLUT PEPPAR was launched in 1986, seven years after ABSOLUT VODKA. Besides being the first flavored vodka in the family, it was also the first flavored vodka in the world. So why pepper? Since vodka and pepper is the main ingredients in a Bloody Mary, it seemed like a good idea to make things easier for the many Bloody Mary bars popping up in Boston, New York and elsewhere at the time. The idea soon turned out as intended, both for bartenders who could now make Instant Bloody Marys, and for all the fans of the drink.

LEVEL Vodka by ABSOLUT Level Vodka, a brand of vodka from the makers of Absolut was launched in 2004. Made in Åhus, Sweden, the vodka is made from winter wheat and is marketed as "perfectly balanced" due to the use of two distinct distillation methods - a continuous distillation process to remove congeners, creating the vodka's smoothness, and a batch distillation process to add character. Level was launched as a direct competitor to Grey Goose.