October 2026 45
Absolut Vodka Unveils Daring New Creative Era with KAWS Artist Edition Bottle and Artwork
Absolut Vodka has launched a new collaboration with renowned contemporary artist KAWS, introducing the ABSOLUT KAWS Artist Edition bottle. This unique edition transforms the iconic apothecary-shaped bottle using KAWS’ distinct visual style, known for its vibrant graphics and cultural commentary.
Unveiled on October 1, 2026, in New York, the partnership marks a continuation of Absolut’s history of innovative artistic collaborations that aim to inspire fresh perspectives through various cultural intersections including art, fashion, and music. KAWS, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, expressed his excitement at joining the ranks of celebrated artists who have collaborated with the brand over the years, aiming to make art accessible in everyday settings.
The design of the ABSOLUT KAWS bottle features KAWS’ signature "XX" motif and his CHUM character prominently on the front, while the back showcases a commissioned painting that inspired the bottle’s artwork. This collaboration not only highlights KAWS’ role in bridging the gap between fine art and popular culture but also aligns with Absolut’s mission to promote art in a manner that is approachable for everyone.
Caroline Begley, U.S. Vice President of Marketing for Absolut, commented that this limited-edition release redefines the traditional vodka bottle as a piece of collectible art, celebrating creativity and the connections that art fosters among people. The ABSOLUT KAWS Artist Edition will be available for pre-order on Absolut’s website and in select U.S. retailers for a limited time.
The launch continues Absolut’s legacy of artistic collaborations, beginning with Andy Warhol’s involvement in the 1980s, and showcases how the brand integrates art into its identity. KAWS, known for his impactful works that resonate with diverse audiences, further enriches the brand’s artistic narrative.
For more information, visit Absolut.com.
Crafting St. Louis Beer Blends: Delicious Combinations to Try at Home
Six years ago, I explored the intriguing world of beer blending, which involved combining two distinct beers to create a unique drinking experience. The inspiration struck at Schlafly’s Cabin Fever festival when I learned that one of their imperial pumpkin beers was crafted from a blend of Pumpkin Stout and Oatmeal Stout. This revelation sparked my imagination about what other combinations could elevate flavors, leading to my article titled The Art of Mixing Beers. Surprisingly, this piece gained consistent traction over the years, even as the featured beers faded from the market.
As I reflected on my previous experiments, the time felt right to merge my knowledge of beer blending with local beers from St. Louis and its surroundings. The core question was simple: Can two finished beers come together to yield an entirely new flavor profile?
One key lesson I learned was the importance of ratios. In my earlier attempts, a straight 50/50 blend seldom resulted in balance; generally, one beer would overpower the other. Therefore, I shifted my approach to consider factors such as ABV, bitterness, and flavor profiles in determining starting points for my blends.
Here are some suggested combinations to try at home:
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Logboat Snapper IPA + Shortleaf Blood Orange Wheat
DIY White IPA
Suggested ratio: 1 part Snapper to 2 parts Blood Orange Wheat. The Snapper’s strength is moderated by the wheat beer, which highlights the citrus notes. -
Side Project For Friends Golden Lager + Bluewood We All Scream For Oat Cream!
DIY hoppy lager
Suggested ratio: 3 parts lager to 1 part IPA. This straightforward blend allows the light lager to shine, enhanced by hoppy aromas. -
4 Hands Chocolate Milk Stout + Modern Disco Punch
Chocolate-covered fruit
Suggested ratio: 2 parts stout to 1 part sour. The maltiness of the stout balances the fruity tartness of the Disco Punch. -
Schlafly Oktoberfest + Rockwell Now Streaming
DIY hoppy amber
Suggested ratio: 3 parts Oktoberfest to 1 part IPA. This combination maintains the lauded malty character of Oktoberfest while introducing hops. -
O’Fallon Pumpkin Beer + Piney River Old Tom Porter
Dark pumpkin pie
Suggested ratio: 2 parts pumpkin to 1 part porter. The sweetness and spice of the pumpkin beer are complemented by the roasty notes of the porter. -
Narrow Gauge Peanut Butter & Stout + 2nd Shift Enchanted Garden
The WTF blend
Suggested ratio: 3 parts Berliner Weisse to 1 part imperial stout. Tartness from the Berliner Weisse contrasts with the thick, rich stout. -
Urban Chestnut Mercator + Alpha Believers Brew
Chocolate Berry
Suggested ratio: 2 parts Mercator to 1 part Believers Brew. A classic blend of fruity tartness and rich chocolate flavors. -
Deep Sleep Train of Four + Third Wheel Gotta Have It
DIY Cascadian dark ale/Black IPA
Suggested ratio: 1:1. Balanced bitterness and robust flavors from both the stout and the IPA make this combination stand out. -
Civil Life American Brown Ale + Brick River Cornerstone
Candy apple
Suggested ratio: 3 parts brown ale to 1 part cider. A sweet caramel apple flavor emerges from this delightful mix. -
Big Muddy Blueberry Blonde + Iron Hops Soothsayer Weizenbock
Blueberry bread
Suggested ratio: 1:1. This pairing harmonizes blueberry notes with a wheat and clove background. -
4 Hands Incarnation IPA + Narrow Gauge Meersalz Double Raspberry
Tart IPA
Suggested ratio: 2 parts IPA to 1 part sour. A balance between fruity tartness and hoppy bitterness perfectly characterizes this blend. -
Side Project Revived + 4 Hands Pineapple Fruit Whip
Tropical dessert stout
Suggested ratio: 3 parts Revived to 1 part Fruit Whip. For a decadent combination of coconut, pineapple, and vanilla flavors. -
Perennial Southside Blonde + Heavy Riff Vanilla Coffee Underbrown
Belgian mocha
Suggested ratio: 2 parts Belgian blonde to 1 part brown ale. This mix brings a light, fruity character together with rich coffee notes.
Feel free to adjust these suggestions according to your own palate, embracing the fun and creativity that comes with mixing beers. After all, the joy of beer blending lies in experimentation and personal preference.
Fall into Flavor: 2 Refreshing White Wines to Savor This Season
I’m not one to adhere strictly to seasonal wine trends. As fall approaches, there’s no obligation to swap out my refreshing white wines for heavier reds, especially when the weather still feels summery. The beauty of wine is that it should be enjoyed whenever you like, regardless of what others say is "in season."
Despite the calendar indicating fall, I’ve decided to keep white wine on hand for those warm days. Two standout options from the Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Diamond Collection are perfect for this transition period.
First, let me introduce the Diamond Collection Vibrance Sauvignon Blanc. Priced around $14, this wine is delightfully light at 80 calories per five-ounce pour. It offers refreshing floral and citrus notes, making it an ideal companion for weeknight meals such as grilled shrimp or fish tacos.
The second option is the Coppola Diamond Shimmer Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio, available at Total Wine & More for $12.99. This versatile wine combines the best of both worlds for those who enjoy the characteristics of both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio.
Perfect Serving Temperature
For optimal enjoyment, light whites like these should be served chilled between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Since standard refrigerators typically cool to around 35-40 degrees, it’s best to let the wine sit for 10 to 20 minutes after removing it from the fridge to allow its full flavor to develop.
With these selections, you can confidently enjoy white wines well into the fall, proving that seasonal trends need not dictate your preferences.
Svedka Vodka Debuts in the UK with a Dazzling Svedbot Parade Through London Landmarks
The popular American spirit brand, SVEDKA Vodka, has officially launched in the UK with an extravagant event featuring a procession of vibrant “Fembots” through London. This eye-catching celebration kicked off in Soho and concluded at Borough Yards, passing notable landmarks including Trafalgar Square and Waterloo Bridge.
The Fembots carried signs inviting Londoners to partake in free martinis and introduced the brand’s charismatic robot mascot, who advocates for in-person gatherings over messaging. The event culminated at an impressive four-meter-high illuminated martini tower at Borough Yards, designed as a meeting point for friends to enjoy a drink together.
Visitors aged 18 and over can indulge in complimentary SVEDKA Vodka martinis, with options including:
- The Timeless: A classic SVEDKA Vodka martini
- The Glitch: A variant inspired by the Dirty Martini
- The Reboot: SVEDKA Vodka mixed with passionfruit, presenting a fruity twist
The martini tower is available from September 30 to October 1, from 5 PM to 9 PM, with the first 200 guests eligible for a free beverage each day (subject to age verification).
SVEDKA Vodka will be readily available for purchase starting September 28 at select Tesco Supermarkets and online at Tesco.com, priced at £25 for a one-liter bottle.
For more details, visit the official SVEDKA Vodka website.
Behind the Brew: How This Alberta Brewery Crafted the World’s Best Lambic-Style Beer
Blind Enthusiasm Brewing in Edmonton has made waves in the craft beer community by winning two prestigious awards at the 2026 World Beer Awards. While they are inspired by the lambic style, which originates from Belgium’s Zenne Valley and is protected by the EU, they do not claim to produce authentic lambic. Their unique process and modern facility, known as The Monolith, allow them to create spontaneously-fermented beers that have gained international recognition.
Doug Checknita, the head brewer, highlighted that the design of their brewery facilitates exposure to naturally-occurring microbes, which are used in the fermentation process. The beer is aged in barrels that house a variety of microbes, creating complex flavors through a cooperative fermentation process.
Blind Enthusiasm’s Grand Manifesto was named the World’s Best Gueuze. This beer is a blend of two, three, and four-year-old spontaneously-fermented beers. Checknita emphasized that this particular blend is among their finest work. The brewery has also been recognized for its Fruitful Pursuits: Cherry, which was awarded the title of World’s Best Kriek for the second consecutive year. Initially hesitant to create a kriek, Checknita changed his mind after tasting incredible cherries from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, recognizing the potential for a truly exceptional beer.
Blind Enthusiasm’s beers are available for purchase in Canada and internationally, including markets in the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan. The brewery’s blend of historical methods and contemporary techniques has positioned them as a significant player in the craft beer scene, and they continue to attract attention from beer enthusiasts and industry experts alike.