The Copper: A Review of Absolut Elyx Vodka from WhiskeyD

At WhiskeyD, we pride ourselves on exploring the finest spirits from around the world, and today, we turn our attention to a standout vodka from Sweden—Absolut Elyx. Sampled during a trip to Germany in 2017, this clear, 42.3% ABV vodka, owned by Pernod Ricard, left a lasting impression with its exceptional aftertaste. Here’s our take on this luxurious spirit.

The Introduction

Not too long ago, I received an intriguing email from Jeremie, a fellow spirits enthusiast. "Do you want to try some new vodka?" he asked. Naturally, I was game. A few days later, a bottle of Absolut Elyx vodka arrived at our office. Its design was distinct from the standard Absolut bottles, signaling that this was something special.

Luxurious Appeal

To my surprise, Absolut Elyx didn't just have a page on the official Absolut website; it had its own dedicated site and an exclusive online store—the Absolut Elyx Boutique. Here, you can purchase not only the vodka but also high-end items like a copper peacock limited edition for a staggering 300 euros.

The brand emphasizes luxury at every turn. Absolut Elyx is crafted using ingredients from a specific region in Sweden and distilled using a vintage copper column still from 1921. Master distiller Krisper Asplund personally tastes each batch, ensuring top-notch quality. This dedication to craft reminded us of other premium brands like Minskaya, Tito’s Handmade, Ketel One, and Rutte, which also highlight their master distillers.

Absolut Elyx's presence extends beyond its website. It boasts a robust social media following, with nearly 45,000 followers on Facebook and over 150,000 on Instagram. The brand is clearly positioned as Absolut’s luxury flagship, boldly claiming to be "the world’s first true luxury vodka" despite competition from brands like Beluga and Kauffman. Notably, the bottle design has recently been revamped.

The Tasting Experience in Prague

Now, let’s dive into our review of Absolut Elyx vodka. During a recent stay in Prague, I found myself in a hotel room, listening to Rancid's "Old Friend," a song about heartbreak. With no shot glasses in sight, I made do with a regular water glass and some walnuts for a snack.

At WhiskeyD, we prefer our vodka neat and at room temperature, accompanied by light snacks. Shot. Walnut. Shot. Walnut.

The bottle design is decent, maintaining a connection to the classic Absolut branding while incorporating copper-colored stripes to reflect the vintage copper column still used in its production. It's not the most striking design, but it’s satisfactory.

The Taste Test

Absolut Elyx vodka has a sweet initial taste. It’s not the smoothest vodka; it feels a bit hot in the mouth and burns slightly as it goes down. This may not align with everyone's expectations of a luxury vodka, but it's not necessarily a drawback.

The aftertaste is where Absolut Elyx truly shines. While it doesn’t glide down effortlessly like cold water, it leaves a warm, pleasant sensation in your stomach. The aftertaste is sweet, gentle, lasting, and quite enjoyable. As for the copper notes? They were subtle, if present at all.

Final Thoughts

Overall, we appreciate that Absolut Elyx has moved away from the standard Absolut bottle design, opting for something bolder. The price is reasonable for a premium product, but there’s room for improvement in terms of smoothness.

In conclusion, while Absolut Elyx may not be the smoothest vodka on the market, its unique aftertaste and luxurious branding make it a noteworthy contender in the premium vodka category. We enjoyed it, and we believe it’s a worthy addition to any vodka enthusiast's collection.

So, whether you’re a seasoned spirits connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Absolut Elyx is a vodka worth trying. Raise your glass and savor the sophisticated flavors of this Swedish gem.