Tasting Notes:  Absolut Vodka, now owned by French giant Pernod Ricard, was at one time the official monopolistic vodka of Sweden where every bottle is still produced today. The beneficiary of one of the world's greatest ad campaigns. Absolut Vodka launched into the US market and was eventually sold to Pernod in 08. A Swedish-based wheat vodka, Absolut is famous for its pure, clean taste. If you've never tried an Absolut martini with some Dirty Blue Cheese Olives, what are you waiting on?