Absolut Launches New DANZKA Cranberyraz Flavored Vodka

June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc. announced today the launch of DANZKA Cranberyraz Vodka, the first flavored vodka in the world to combine the naturally sweet flavor of wild raspberry with a hint of slightly tart cranberry. DANZKA Cranberyraz Vodka joins the brand's other unique flavors of citrus and grapefruit, all offered in a signature metal bottle that is made to chill vodka at optimal temperatures.

According to an evaluation conducted by an independent research institute, DANZKA's aluminum bottle chills 50 minutes faster than vodka in glass packaging and will retain cold 50 minutes longer*. DANZKA is the only vodka in the world offered in aluminum packaging, and available nationally in grapefruit and now the new Cranberyraz flavor.

"The flavored vodka segment continues to grow and the addition of Cranberyraz to DANZKA's portfolio helps to further differentiate our brand in the marketplace," said Carl Horton, president and chief executive officer, The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc. "DANZKA's unique Cranberyraz and Grapefruit flavors combined with innovative packaging that helps keep vodka cold is well- positioned for summer entertaining."

DANZKA Cranberyraz will be available at off-premise accounts starting in June. In the U.S., DANZKA is available in three sizes: 50 ml, 750 ml and 1 liter. The retail price for DANZKA is $15-$17 for a 750ml.

DANZKA Cranberyraz will be supported nationally with print advertising, off-premise POS and public relations. The print advertising depicts the extreme lengths people will take to chill their DANZKA Vodka, and is scheduled to run in national magazines including Men's Health, Maxim, FHM, Jane and Cosmopolitan.

DANZKA vodka is made using an advanced production process -- a combination of pure demineralized water, 100 percent whole-wheat grain, continuous six- column distillation, and a triple-filtration system -- creating a crystal- clear vodka. It is made in one of the oldest distilleries in Denmark. Internationally, DANZKA is ranked fifth in global duty-free vodka sales.

During summer party gatherings, DANZKA vodka's original, grapefruit, citrus and Cranberyraz flavors can easily be used to make cool cocktails like the Danzka Lychee Breeze.

Danzka Lychee Breeze
2 parts Danzka Cranberyraz
2 parts Lychee Juice
2 parts Cranberry Juice
Pour all ingredients over ice in a highball glass. Stir.
Garnish with fresh lychee.

* Test conducted by outside independent lab and completed on February 10, 2004. Study compared DANZKA's 1 liter metal bottle to a 1 liter glass bottle of vodka over the course of 6 hours.

Source: The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.