Lucid Absinthe

The aroma resembles chicken seasoned with turmeric, salt, black pepper, and fennel, evoking a pleasant meal. The fennel scent intensifies with continued smelling, joined by sweet anise that also carries a sour note. The taste is very much like black licorice with an earthy undertone. The spirit also has a significant numbing quality, making it quite peculiar. A subtle meatiness persists but is frequently overshadowed by other herbal notes. This expression is considerably less subtle and complex than the Mata Hari, and its numbing effect detracts from its drinkability. The numbing sensation doesn't seem to mitigate any harshness, as the spirit isn't particularly harsh to begin with. It's also more bitter than preferred. While it exhibits Jagermeister and fernet characteristics, the earthy notes and numbing quality make it less similar to those spirits than the Mata Hari is. The extended finish is bitter, earthy, and numbing. It's not particularly impressive. This is an acceptable Absinthe, but it falls short of being great. Diluting with water enhances the herbal and bitter aspects rather than improving the overall profile, which is quite disappointing. The water also accentuates the spice and dryness to an undesirable degree. While the Mata Hari arguably benefits from the addition of water, this spirit suffers. Ultimately, this is not very enjoyable to drink, though it does possess a strong impact.

This was one of the initial absinthes featuring grande wormwood legally permitted in the USA in 2007, following a 95-year ban. Crafted using traditional methods and components by Combier Distillery in France's Loire Valley. It has 62% alcohol, a pale green hue, and a medium body. It mixes beautifully with water or ice. This is a superb example of a classic absinthe, excellent in a Green Fairy with iced water, or in a traditional cocktail. Flavors include anise and fennel, grassy, earthy, and sharply herbal notes. An initial alcohol intensity is followed by a long, sweet minty finish. It's not overwhelming in a cocktail but is certainly not subtle in taste. Outstanding.

This is my regular absinthe for sipping straight and for preparing Sazerac cocktails. The dominant flavor is anise, complemented by subtle notes of fennel and wormwood. It possesses a balance and smoothness that eliminates the need for any sweetener! A strong recommendation.

I'm not a fan of absinthe, but this is very enjoyable. The black licorice is tempered by the sweet fennel, making it much more palatable.

Smooth and precisely what I anticipate from absinthe.

A strong black licorice flavor.