{"title":"Level","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"level-1-75l","title":"Level 1.75L","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLevel 1.75L\u003c\/strong\u003e is a discontinued Swedish winter wheat vodka bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 1.75-liter format. Produced at the renowned Absolut distillery in Åhus, Sweden, Level distinguished itself through a proprietary dual-distillation method that combined continuous and batch processes — a technique rarely seen in vodka production at the time of its launch around 2004. Wine Enthusiast called it \"a superb unflavored vodka that's going to turn lots of heads.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40% (80 proof)  |  Origin: Åhus, Skåne, Sweden  |  Style: Unflavored Winter Wheat Vodka  |  Distillery: Absolut (V\u0026amp;S Group \/ Pernod Ricard)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Level Vodka has been discontinued. Any remaining bottles represent old stock from the brand's active production period.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLevel was created at the Absolut distillery in Åhus, a facility with roots stretching back to the 19th century and now owned by Pernod Ricard. The vodka was made entirely from Swedish winter wheat and local deep-well water. What set Level apart from other expressions in the Absolut portfolio — and from most competitors — was its dual-distillation approach: a continuous distillation system reportedly running the spirit through hundreds of cycles to strip congeners, followed by a traditional batch distillation in copper stills to reintroduce character and complexity. This combination was designed to achieve a balance between purity and flavor that neither method alone could deliver.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with a bittersweet, oily concentration and kernel-like depth. After a few moments of air, those heavier notes dissipate, revealing a clean, dry cereal grain fragrance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate entry is rich and grainy-sweet, with noticeable body from the outset. At mid-palate, an oily, viscous texture emerges that amplifies the grain character and carries subtle spice notes reminiscent of lemon-pepper. The overall impression is unusually full-bodied for a vodka, with a sweetness that feels inherent to the grain rather than artificially introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is moderate in length, with flavor intensity tapering gradually. A faint cereal warmth lingers alongside a clean, dry close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Level\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLevel was designed to deliver flavor, making it well-suited for sipping chilled or on the rocks, where the grainy sweetness and viscous texture come through most clearly. Serving it straight from the freezer amplifies its thick, rich mouthfeel. For cocktails, its robust character shines in spirit-forward preparations: a \u003cstrong\u003eVodka Martini\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the cereal sweetness complements dry vermouth naturally; an \u003cstrong\u003eEspresso Martini\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the oily texture and bittersweet grain notes pair seamlessly with coffee liqueur; or a \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Russian\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its full body stands up to Kahlúa without disappearing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors seeking discontinued Swedish vodka with a unique production pedigree\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVodka enthusiasts who prefer grain-forward, full-bodied expressions over neutral profiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a tasting flight comparing Swedish vodka styles from the same distillery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirit-forward cocktails where the vodka needs to contribute flavor, not just dilution\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Level taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Level delivers a rich, grainy-sweet palate with an oily, viscous texture and subtle lemon-pepper spice. It is notably more flavorful and full-bodied than most unflavored vodkas.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Level compare to Grey Goose?\u003c\/strong\u003e Level was launched as a direct competitor to Grey Goose, but the two differ in base grain and production approach — Level uses Swedish winter wheat with a dual continuous-and-batch distillation, while Grey Goose uses French soft winter wheat with a single continuous distillation. Level tends to present a richer, more overtly grainy profile compared to Grey Goose's lighter, more neutral character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Level good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Level is one of the more rewarding vodkas to sip neat or chilled, thanks to its unusually pronounced grain sweetness and viscous mouthfeel, both results of its batch distillation step.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Level made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Level was produced at the Absolut distillery in Åhus, located in the Skåne region of southern Sweden. The distillery uses locally sourced winter wheat and deep-well water drawn from the area.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Level?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoked salmon, where the vodka's grain sweetness offsets the salt and smoke; dark rye bread with butter, echoing the cereal notes; pickled herring in a classic Scandinavian pairing; caviar or fish roe, where the clean finish refreshes the palate; and mild, creamy cheeses that complement the oily texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Level come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Level was available in 750ml and 1.75L formats during its production run; as a discontinued product, availability in any size is limited to remaining old stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Level worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Level positioned itself as a super-premium vodka competing directly with Grey Goose and similar top-shelf brands. For collectors or enthusiasts who find a bottle, its unique dual-distillation process and discontinued status give it both drinking and novelty value within that tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Level?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLevel's defining achievement was its dual-distillation method — continuous distillation for purity married with batch distillation for character — a production choice that remains uncommon in the vodka world. The result was a spirit with measurably more body and grain flavor than most competitors, earning genuine critical praise from Wine Enthusiast as \"superb.\" As a discontinued expression from one of Sweden's most storied distilleries, remaining bottles carry an inherent scarcity that adds interest beyond the liquid itself. For anyone who values vodka with actual flavor rather than mere neutrality, Level represents a road not taken by the broader category.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Level","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836616863913,"sku":"12171","price":55.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/level-750__31854.jpg?v=1730463706"},{"product_id":"level-750ml","title":"Level 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLevel 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Swedish vodka distilled from winter wheat in Åhus, Sweden, bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in a 750ml format. Now discontinued, this expression earned a score of 90–95 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e, which called it \"a superb unflavored vodka that's going to turn lots of heads.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Åhus, Southern Sweden  |  Style: Dual-Distilled Unflavored Vodka  |  Distillery: Åhus Distillery (The Absolut Company \/ Pernod Ricard)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLevel was produced at the historic Åhus distillery in southern Sweden — the same facility responsible for Absolut. What separated Level from its parent brand was a dual distillation technique: a continuous distillation step stripped away congeners for smoothness, followed by a batch distillation step designed to reintroduce character and depth. The base spirit was made exclusively from winter wheat grown in the fields surrounding Åhus and hydrated with local spring water drawn from the same region. The result was a vodka built to have noticeably more flavor and body than typical column-distilled competitors — a deliberate move by The Absolut Company, which is owned by Pernod Ricard, to challenge the premium vodka category from a different angle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with a bittersweet, concentrated quality carrying oily, kernel-like undertones. With air, those heavier notes dissipate, revealing a clean, dry cereal fragrance that hints at the winter wheat base.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate entry is rich and grainy-sweet, immediately telegraphing more flavor intensity than most unflavored vodkas. At the midpalate, an oily, viscous texture develops alongside a subtle citrus-edged bitterness that adds complexity. The overall impression is full-bodied and notably characterful.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with a gentle warmth rather than any harsh burn. The grainy sweetness fades gradually and dissipates cleanly, leaving minimal residual heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Level\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLevel rewards neat sipping more than most vodkas — its batch-distilled character gives it enough backbone to stand alone, ideally chilled or at a cool room temperature. It also works as a capable cocktail base where you want the spirit to assert itself rather than vanish:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVodka Martini:\u003c\/strong\u003e The grainy richness and viscous mouthfeel fill out a dry Martini without requiring excessive vermouth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMoscow Mule:\u003c\/strong\u003e Level's subtle bitterness and body push back against ginger beer's sweetness, creating a more balanced drink.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEspresso Martini:\u003c\/strong\u003e The kernel-like, oily depth pairs naturally with coffee liqueur and freshly pulled espresso.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollectors seeking discontinued premium Swedish vodka\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tastings comparing Swedish wheat vodkas to French alternatives\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCocktail enthusiasts who want a vodka with genuine flavor presence in stirred drinks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a vodka aficionado something rare and no longer in production\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Level Vodka taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Level delivers a rich, grainy sweetness with an oily, viscous texture and a touch of citrus-like bitterness — significantly more flavorful than most unflavored vodkas on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Level compare to Grey Goose?\u003c\/strong\u003e Level was launched as a direct competitor to Grey Goose, but the two take very different approaches: Grey Goose is French, distilled from soft winter wheat using a single continuous column distillation, while Level adds a batch distillation stage that gives it noticeably more body and grain character. Level tends to read as fuller and oilier, whereas Grey Goose leans lighter and cleaner.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Level good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — the dual distillation process was specifically designed to retain enough flavor and texture for neat drinking, making it one of the more rewarding unflavored vodkas to sip on its own, slightly chilled.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Level Vodka made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Level was produced at the Åhus distillery in southern Sweden, operated by The Absolut Company (a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard). The winter wheat and spring water used in production were both sourced from the surrounding region.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Level Vodka?\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditional Scandinavian pairings work best: cured salmon or gravlax (the grainy sweetness complements the fish's richness), pickled herring (acidity and brine balance the vodka's oily body), rye bread with butter (echoes the cereal character), smoked trout (mirrors the subtle bitterness), and aged hard cheeses like Västerbotten (their nutty intensity matches Level's kernel-like depth).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Level come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Level was primarily available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Level worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Level was positioned as a super-premium vodka during its production run, competing at the same tier as Grey Goose and Belvedere. As a discontinued product, remaining bottles carry additional collectibility value, and the dual-distilled profile genuinely delivers more complexity than many vodkas at or above its original price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Level?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLevel's defining achievement was proving that vodka could carry real flavor without added botanicals or infusions. The combination of continuous and batch distillation — an unusual and more labor-intensive approach — produced a spirit that \u003cem\u003eDrinkhacker\u003c\/em\u003e described as \"perhaps the most flavorful vodka I've ever had.\" With the product now discontinued, remaining bottles represent a snapshot of an ambitious experiment by one of the world's most established vodka producers. For anyone who believes vodka should be more than a neutral carrier in cocktails, Level remains a compelling case study in what the category can achieve.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Level","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836617027753,"sku":"11499","price":26.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/level-750__36881.jpg?v=1730463710"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/level.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}