As a gin drinker, I’d always assumed all vodka is made in Russia.
So it was a huge surprise to travel into the Swedish port of Åhus, and discover that the world’s fourth largest brand of spirit is distilled here.
90 million litres of Absolut Vodka are made here every year in a rather pretty factory from Swedish winter wheat. Not even from spuds!
And what is the top selling brand, I hear you ask? Officer’s Choice of course! (Well, we were lost on that one – apparently, it’s an Indian Whisky)
Absolut used to be owned by the Swedish Government, which has a state monopoly on alcohol sales, which can only be purchased in larger towns, in the single Systembolaget shop, a giant off-license. Very low alcohol beers and ciders (under 3.5%) can be sold in supermarkets, but nothing else.
But it has now sold the company to Pernod Ricard for several billion.
Personally, pour me a Ricard instead.
Cheers!