Jade Espirit Edouard Absinthe Supérieure

Appearance (neat): Resembles old gold with a greenish hue, much like the oil from preserved vine leaves. (louched): Appears condensed, with a color between pale jade green and golden autumn leaf, akin to fine white moss jade. The louche develops gradually, starting yellow, and a thick oil layer hovers until around 1:4, at which point it is complete and visually stunning. Aroma: Neat, a refined yet persistent scent of woody herbs emerges. The nose blossoms upon the first drop, expanding as it louches. It's complex, with subtle anise, more prominent fennel and wormwood, and a dried citrus note like lime and mandarin peel. Earthy, woody elements are present, along with cumin, coriander, and a strong vegetal scent. A floral bouquet reminiscent of a spring meadow, leading to a forest floor with humus, damp bark, and mushrooms, crowns the aroma. Flavor and Texture: Flawlessly balanced. Wormwood, anise, and fennel greet the palate without haste. The taste is reserved, elegant, and unfolds slowly. It's clean, distinct, and profoundly complex, with intricacy revealed in the aftertaste. The dried citrus notes from the nose reappear on the sides of the tongue, accompanied by bitter herbal and baking spice flavors. This bitterness is counteracted by a creamy mouthfeel, becoming the dominant sensation and building with each sip. Fresh citrus-like herbal notes return with every mouthful, balancing the slowly numbing wormwood bitterness and underlying anise. Magnificent, with a very long finish. This absinthe possesses a captivating density and intensity, from its rich, creamy look to its mouth-filling texture and slowly building flavors – a true display of opulence. For those unaware, this was a pioneering absinthe, perhaps one of the most significant modern expressions. It was the first to be recreated by Ted Breaux from a century-old pre-ban Esprit Edouard sample, using analytical techniques to determine its profile and then meticulously rebuilding the process with historical distillery records. Enjoying a perfectly louched glass of this spirit is a rare treat. If you have any interest in absinthe and plan to buy only one bottle, this is it. However, there are four other core Jade expressions, each with its own admirers. Many truly exceptional modern absinthes exist, and nearly half are from Jade. Jade is essentially the "Del Maguey" of absinthe. "Phenomenal": 95/100 (5 stars)

DISCLAIMER: If you are a dedicated absinthe enthusiast, please consult Mr. Cascode, who appears to possess significant knowledge and experience regarding absinthe. This was my initial encounter with absinthe, having only tried Pernod before. This spirit emits a powerful herbal scent, noticeable even from across a table. It has a damp, herbal aroma and a similar taste: woody, vegetal, and subtly sweet. I sampled it neat initially, then diluted it as is customary. It strongly features citrusy coriander and fennel, with a candy-like sweetness. To this non-expert, it tastes much like consuming a teaspoon of coriander seeds followed by a sweet chaser. The high alcohol content is surprisingly well-concealed by these herbal notes, manifesting only as a warming sensation in the mouth. I wanted to experience absinthe, and based on my research, I believe this provides a good example of it at its finest.

This is a rich, complex herbal aperitif or cordial from France. It began with herbal qualities and led to a long, complex conclusion after a rich life. March 2017