Episode 67 features Absolut Vodka, the brand that clever print ads made, from the Swedish state-controlled liquor monopoly. Bottled in 750ml at 40% ABV, or 80 proof, it retails for $20. Enjoy this episode with some Absolut however you like it. Absolut's official website: https://www.absolut.com/us/ (https://www.absolut.com/us/) Brief Historical Timeline: 1879 -L.O. Smith begins selling Absolut Rent Bränvin 1917 - Swedish government entity, Vin & Sprit is formed 1979 - Absolut Vodka, the brand for export, is created 1979 - Absolut Vodka is first sold in the United States by Carillion Importers 1980 - The first ad, entitled "Absolut Perfection" runs 1984 - Sales surpass 440,000 cases 1985 - Artist Andy Warhol is commissioned to paint his rendition of the Absolut bottle, creating "Absolut Warhol" 1989 - Absolut becomes the largest imported spirit by volume in the USA 1994 - Vin & Sprit replaces Carillion Importers with Seagrams in the USA 2008 - French spirits conglomerate Pernod-Ricard buys V&S from the Swedish government for $8.3 Billion US Dollars

Key Cocktails: Absolut is unflavored vodka, it literally mixes with anything! References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absolut_Vodka (Wikipedia Article on Absolut) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%26S_Group (Wikipedia Article on V&S Group) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lars_Olsson_Smith (Wikipedia Article on Lars Olsson Smith) http://absolutad.com/absolut_about/history/story/ (AbsolutAd.com) Book: Vodka - How a Colorless, Odorless, Flavorless Spirit Conquered America by Victorino Matus Contact Information: Official show website is: https://www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com/ (www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com) Join my mailing list: http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf (http://eepurl.com/hfyhHf) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur (https://www.facebook.com/liquorandliqueurconnoisseur) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/ (https://www.instagram.com/LiquorandLiqueurConnoisseur/) Twitter: @LLConnoisseur