An Unforgettable Journey: Hilton Bartenders Visit Absolut Distillery in Åhus, Sweden

Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions

The adventure began with our arrival in Copenhagen. After a warm welcome at the airport, we were whisked away to our accommodation. Nestled in the heart of Copenhagen, our hotel offered a cozy yet modern atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long journey. That evening, we were treated to a welcome dinner where we got to meet the Pernod Ricard team and fellow bartenders. It was a night filled with excitement and anticipation for the days ahead.
 

Day 2: Exploring the Absolut Distillery

The next day, we took a train to Ahus and visited the Absolut distillery, a state-of-the-art facility where tradition meets innovation. We started with a guided tour of the distillery, learning about the rich history of Absolut and the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. From the local winter wheat to the pristine water from a deep well in Åhus, the natural ingredients are a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality.

One of the highlights was witnessing the distillation process. Our guide explained how the continuous distillation method used by Absolut results in an exceptionally pure spirit. We also had the chance to visit the bottling plant, where millions of bottles are filled, sealed, and prepared for shipment worldwide.

Day 3: Discovering Stockholm

We woke up to the warm weather and bustling energy of Stockholm. The day was dedicated to exploring this beautiful city, known for its picturesque archipelago, historic sites, and vibrant culture.

We started with the vist of the Museum of Spirits and learned about the fascinating Marketing History behind the brand, and the man behind many successful campaigns: Michel Roux, well known for his collaboration with Andy Warhol. The Absolut Warhol campaign was followed by one with Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, Ed Ruscha, Leroy Neiman and Arman. All totaled, Roux estimates that he worked with around 3,000 artists, including musicians and choreographers.

“My philosophy,” explains Roux, “was that I was not doing things to get something out of somebody. We would do risky things, for instance back then we did so many things with the gay community. I did it to fight  the  bigotry…  The press would pick it up. His philosophy was, is, "if you’re doing good you’ll do well. This is what Absolut did. We were always involved for the good

Afterward, we took a leisurely stroll through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and charming boutiques. Lunch on the boat was a delightful affair where we savored traditional Swedish cuisine.

It was a perfect day to soak up the sun and the beauty of Stockholm.

Day 4: Reflection and Farewell

On our final day, the bartenders shared their insights and what they had learned, discussing how they could incorporate their new knowledge into their work at Hilton. The trip not only deepened their understanding of Absolut vodka but also inspired them to elevate their craft and bring a fresh perspective to their respective bars.

As we said our goodbyes, it was clear that this journey had forged new friendships and professional connections. The camaraderie among the bartenders and the Pernod Ricard team was palpable, and everyone left with a sense of gratitude and inspiration.