Absolut Vanilia Vodka

Distillery Background and History

Absolut is produced near Åhus in southern Sweden. The brand traces its roots to 1879, when Lars Olsson Smith introduced a purer style of Swedish spirit. The “Vanilia” variant (a vanilla-flavored vodka) was introduced later to expand Absolut’s portfolio of flavored vodkas. Its production, along with Absolut’s other flavors, adheres to the brand’s “One Source” philosophy: ingredients, distillation, and bottling are centralized for consistency and purity. 

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Absolut does not publicize a single master distiller for its flavored vodkas. The production philosophy behind Vanilia is to maintain the clean and neutral character of the base vodka, while layering natural vanilla without the use of added sugar or coloring. The flavor is integrated in such a way that it enhances but does not overpower the spirit. 

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

The base spirit is derived from winter wheat grown in southern Sweden. The water used is drawn from deep wells around Åhus, filtered and maintained under strict quality control. Yeast strains are proprietary to the Absolut distillation process, optimized to ferment the wheat mash cleanly and with minimal impurities. 

Distillation Process

Absolut Vanilia is made in continuous distillation systems (column stills), allowing for high purity and minimal congeners. After distillation, natural vanilla flavor (derived from vanilla pods) is blended into the neutral spirit; no further distillation or barrel treatment is applied. 

Maturation & Cask Information

As a flavored vodka, Vanilia is not matured in wood. The spirit is bottled soon after blending, with no cask aging.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich vanilla, butterscotch, and soft caramel. 

Palate: Creamy bourbon-style vanilla, toffee, soft caramel, hints of dark chocolate. 

Finish: Smooth and sweet, lingering vanilla and gentle warmth. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairs well with desserts like crème brûlée, vanilla ice cream, custard, apple pie, or lighter chocolate cakes. Also works nicely in cocktails with citrus or coffee to balance the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve chilled (on the rocks or neat). A narrow vodka tasting glass or small tumbler allows the vanilla aromas to present well. It also serves as a flavorful base in cocktails such as a Vanilla Espresso Martini or Vanilla Vodka Soda. 

Storage and Aging Potential

Once bottled, it is stable. Store upright in a cool, dark place. It does not benefit from additional aging.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Derived from winter wheat (flavored vodka, so the vanilla is added post-distillation). 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

38 % ABV (76 proof)