St. George Absinthe Verte

The scent is of lemon, juniper, and cedar, evoking a pleasant daytime woodland camping scene. While enjoyable in its own way, it's not my usual choice. The palate is rather sharp and forceful, with abundant spice and significant bitterness. The characteristic absinthe sweetness is present, but as with fernet, it's challenging to savor. The finish is prolonged with bitterness and a numbing sensation. The complexity is appreciated, and the flavors are fitting and well-executed. A mild herbal note emerges in the finish, with chamomile reminiscent of modern gin, tasting quite good. This is a less sweet absinthe, but it offers good flavor and balance for an herbal spirit. I'd prefer less numbing, but it manages its flavors well. It doesn't quite match Monkey 37 gin but is respectable. Delicate floral notes contribute a subtle rose perfume, alongside a more subdued, bitter aspect. When diluted, the initial harshness lessens but becomes more prominent. The bitterness and chamomile also intensify. With sufficient water, the aroma shifts from woodland to seaside, maintaining a relaxing vacation vibe. The palate grows increasingly bitter with dilution, and the flavor declines. Adding a large amount of water results in a bitter taste lacking sweetness, similar to fernet. Chamomile remains abundant, suggesting lemon peel and other botanicals. It's not unbearably bitter but is quite numbing. The aroma is wonderfully complex, though not aquatic. The harshness and spiciness significantly detract from the palate, though the interference is substantial. The lingering lemon note is nice for integrating the chamomile, but the drink becomes increasingly conflicted as water is added. Despite the pleasant chamomile notes akin to modern gin, Mata Hari is superior with water and less numbingly potent. This is a competent absinthe, and I value its avoidance of excessive sweetness, but the flavor spectrum ranges from solid and balanced to overly bitter, harsh, and lacking desirable notes. Even at 70% water, bitterness and harshness persist. Dilution simply doesn't work for this spirit. Unwatered, it merits a 13. With water, it can be a difficult experience, dipping to a 5 at times. I can't endorse this absinthe, though its positive aspects are recognized.

Deep, dark herbal green. Anise and mint with sweetness on the nose. Anise is dominant on the palate, with mint, herbs, and alcohol heat. It has a coating, oily mouthfeel. The aftertaste is long, sweet, fading to dry, with mint and stinging nettles leaving a tingling sensation on the lips and tongue. The flavors are big, big flavors. Like all St. George products, this is quality, well-made, and innovative. It might not work in some lighter cocktails, but this is my preferred absinthe. More monkey cowbell!

A sophisticated herbal apéritif / cordial from St. George Spirits in California, it begins with floral notes and develops a complex character with hints of anise, nettle, lemon, wormwood, earthy hyssop & fennel, leading to a long & bitter conclusion. Stinging Nettle provides a unique element to this potent anise liqueur; it's intended to make your mouth tingle (go numb). April 2016 / March / September 2017

Absolutely delightful. It's complexly herbaceous and has just the right amount of strength. This absinthe is particularly excellent in a Death In The Afternoon or enjoyed neat. Do not dilute this one at all.

Very appealing. Standard anise/licorice on the nose with various botanicals noticeable on the palate. The savory herbs are prominent in the sip, and it works wonderfully in a Sazerac.

This is my second absinthe ever, but wow, it's quite delicious. Since I'm not a seasoned absinthe drinker, I'll just leave it at that.