ABSOLUT Elyx. The name alone evokes curiosity and mystique. Much like the limited release ABSOLUT Tune, the shape of the bottle deviates from the standard early Swedish medicine bottle that has long popularised the brand. Copper-coloured etchings on the glass denote the use of hand selected grains and copper for catalyzation in distillation. But, what of the taste?
To put the ABSOLUT Elyx to the taste test, we tried it threefold.
1. Sipped neat at room temperature, then compared with ABSOLUT Vodka
2. Sipped neat after being chilled in the freezer, then compared with chilled ABSOLUT Vodka
3. In a dry Martini, using chilled ABSOLUT Elyx, stirred with a dash of Noilly Prat
The ABSOLUT Elyx is clear in colour with brilliance in transparency. On the pour, it has a little more viscosity. The nose has more character compared to the regular ABSOLUT yet we could not detect any specific aromas easily, perhaps due to the type of grain used. On the palate, it has a silky texture and a purity with a neutral flavour. The Elyx is incredibly smooth, with a longer and slightly sweeter finish which makes it a warming vodka to be sipped slowly.
ABSOLUT Elyx vodka had more flavour at room temperature than chilled in the freezer. The smoothness and creamy mouth feel are the standout characteristics along with the purity in taste.
It makes a very smooth dry Martini with a silkier feel in the mouth compared to the spicy notes and the rougher finish in the ABSOLUT Vodka. Not a Vodka to be used in mixers, where the luxuriance is diluted.
As an accompaniment to food, it would go well served in a shot glass with decadent seafood, caviar, tuna sashimi, seared scallops and lobster dishes.
ABSOLUT Elyx has not yet been released in Australia. Thanks to a frequent traveller friend who brought back a bottle, we were able to give it a taste test.
This article was originally published on October 4, 2011 on our sister website Gourmantic.
