Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby may have been a devilishly enchanting film adaptation. But the Oscar nominated film director seems to have become more inspired from it’s theme long after the film came and went. Because while the film showcased not just undertones of bootlegging but glamorized the free flow of libations, the director has picked up from where it left off perhaps, by way of a new collaboration. Partnering with Absolut, Luhrmann has crafted the Absolut Oz, a vodka that will be spiced orange and limited edition.
“We are extremely pleased and proud to be collaborating with one of the great visionary minds of the contemporary world in Baz to realize the first Australian Absolut limited edition,” said Julien Hemard, Pernod Ricard Australia managing director. So while the London bottle was pretty neat to say the least, for this one, the director himself travelled to the town of Ahus in Sweden, where the Absolut distillery resides and experimented with different ingredients.
Can’t wait for the launch already? This won’t exactly help. The Australian filmmaker has also created four unique cocktails for those of us seeking creative uses for the exciting flavor. Centering on a beach theme, the Tame-Glama, the Hells Bells Beach, the Cable Beach Stairway to the Moon and the South Avoca Elevator will, in Luhrmann’s own words, “transport” consumers to the beaches of the land down under. Not only is this great news for Australia, it is also equally exciting for any lover of not just tipple but also films.
“While creating the drinks which feature and celebrate Absolut Oz, we reflected on that moment when the sun dips below the horizon and, as we say in the movies, the magic hour is upon us,” Luhrmann waxed eloquent. As will we when the bottle hits stores this month. Available for a strictly limited period in the 1-liter bottle size, Absolut Oz will retail for $54.99. It’ll feature a specially designed neck tag with story notes, images and recipes for Luhrmann’s cocktails.
