Heh. The funny thing is that Absolut was the first premium vodka brand in the US. Before that, it was all Gordons and Wolfschmitt-equivalent. Absolut defined the category and has been relegated to middle market status by the success of the market it created.

Personally, I think all premium vodkas taste the same. I mean, it's just 3-5 times distilled spirits. Where's the flavor? Any difference is strictly marketing and bottle shape, says I.