Absolut has made a lot of flavored vodkas over the years. There’s Absolut Citron, of course, but there’s also Lime, Grapefruit, Wildberry, Mandarin, Mango, Pears, and even Peppar (which was actually the first flavored Absolut released way back in 1986). Now, you can add Absolut Tabasco to the list.
Infused with “fermented, aged red pepper mash” (the stuff used to make Tabasco sauce), this spicy new Absolut just dropped and we got an early taste. Here’s our review.
Pros: It really is spicy. But it’s not just spicy vodka. There is a definite peppery flavor, too—a bit of that fruity flavor that some spicy peppers have. It’s also a little briny. Maybe that’s the fermented aspect of the pepper mash coming through. My colleague Gwynedd Stuart compared the flavor to that of a Dirty Martini and I can see where she’s coming from; it has some of that olive brininess. If you can handle the heat, I think this would be great in a spicy version of a Dirty Martini or, obviously, a Bloody Mary. The brand suggests using it for shots, but do not try that until you have a taste. When I say spicy, I mean it’s spicy.
Cons: It’s definitely too spicy for a lot of people. Even if you can handle Tabasco, this might be too spicy for you. And while Gwynedd identified the flavor as Dirty Martini-y, I detected a bit of an odd, almost anise-y flavor that seemed a bit out of place. That said, if you’re using this in a Bloody Mary or even a Dirty Martini, I think that will get covered up.
Verdict: While it’s not for everyone, Absolut Tabasco is a fun, fiery addition to the Absolut line-up and I am psyched to try it in a Bloody Mary (or maybe an oyster shooter?? Yum!). I’m also glad I’m not in my 20s anymore so I won’t have to do a shot of this to prove I’m cool. Sorry, 20-somethings, you know it’s going to happen.
Hi! I’m the editor-in-chief of Sporked. I will never turn down a fresh-shucked oyster but I’ll also leap at whatever new product Reese’s releases and I love a Tostitos Hint of Lime, even if there is no actual lime in the ingredients.
Why you should trust me: I have been writing about food and beverages for well over a decade and am an avid at-home cook and snacker. I began my career writing about fine dining and recipes, moved into cocktails and spirits, and now I talk about groceries. If you can eat it or drink it, I’ve probably written about it.
What I buy every week: Trader Joe’s dried okra. Appleton Farms prosciutto from Aldi. Some sort of Trader Joe’s cheese (I’m into the aged gouda at the moment). Frozen waffles (usually the Eggo Cinnamon Toast Minis). Spindrift water (loving the Cosmopolitan right now).
Favorite ranking: Smoked salmon. Imagine me as Scrooge McDuck but instead of coins I’m diving into a vault of slippery smoked salmon slices. Pure joy. I also found some real steals in that taste test!
Least favorite ranking: Canned oysters. I had such high hopes for this but it quickly became a chore. The kitchen smelled like an uncleaned aquarium.
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Justine Sterling
Matt Crowley
Jordan Myrick
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