Wormwood dilema

Wormwood is the key ingredient used for Absinth's unique bitter taste. Many suggest it's the source of the halucinagenic properties (along with dirty, lead/copper stills.)

That being said, there are two species of wormwood used in the process, Northern and Southern. Rumor has it that the Northern wormwood was used at the turn of the 20th century and is the original Green Fairy herb. Whether or not it's used in today's absinthes is yet to be discovered by this researcher. However, I've learned from a source that the Southern wormwood is used in absinthe's stilled for the U.S. It's disappointing, I know. But until this report is solid, I'll have to keep sampling. To that I say, "Cheers."

-- From My iPhone. (Yep, it can do this too.)

LE TOURMENT VERT

A friend picked up this bottle for me at a local liquor store for a housewarming gift. The American ban was lifted in 2007 and we can now partake freely. A truly exciting time.

Le Tourment Vert, hails from France and is delicious. It's another absinth who's focus is on quality, rather than getting drunk. It has a 100 proof alcohol content so it's easy to swallow when shooting.

If you add water, Le Tourment Vert does not cloud, which is something I find entertaining with most absinths, leaving me a little disappointed with this one. But, it won't keep me from buying it myself. It's one of the few absinths sold in America that contains true wormwood, giving it the original absinth flavor.

Because it was purchased as a gift and it was local, I can only estimate the cost as being $20 - $40, well worth it when you consider importation from other countries.

GREEN ANGEL

Green Angel is produced "exclusively" for the Heidelberg distillery in Germany.

This Absinth is delicious when shot, very bitter when louched with sugar and water ... with sugar. I prefer to shoot this and it may taste really good in a sipping pipe. However, when it's mixed with water, it dilutes slightly. The sweetness thins out and the bitter is allowed to shine.

This absinth doesn't contain a lot of alcohol. I think it's only 50 proof, which also strenghtens it's shot-ablilty. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's not the amount of alcohol that makes a good absinth. Too much alcohol simply drowns out the flavors leaving you with a burned throat, coughing and needing to breath. Then, you get those shot shivers.

In the end, I highly recommend this absinth. If I were to give it stars or something, it'd be 4 out of 5 stars.

ABSINTH ABTSHOF 66

Absinth Abtshof 66, produced in the Abtshof Distillery in Germany is said to be the first German distillery to produce absinth after the ban was lifted. This fine absinth reflects it. The flavor seems rushed. Although it is considerably mild, shooting this absinth is recommended. The lower alcohol content prevents the deep burn after a shot, which allows you to admire it's light licorice taste and sweeter aftertaste.

I ordered the half liter bottle and decided to order a smaller 0.2 liter bottle, thinking it was a "mini" bottle I could save for my collection. I was quite wrong, it was much larger. It bottle was also numbered. So, I'm under the influence that it is a limited number and therefor a collectors item. But, it's a rather large number.

ABSINTHE ANGÉLIQUE 72 VERTE / ELIXER DES ANGES - 72°

Produced in the Val-de-Travers, for the Galerie Grüner Engel located in Heidelberg, Germany, Absinthe Angélique 72 Verte was really tough to handle. With a 72 proof alcohol content, most of the taste is lost in the alcohol burn as you swallow. This absinth is very bitter and would definately need to be louched.

Absinth24.net sells this absinthe for a whopping $74.00. I feel this is far too much for this absinthe. Unless you like the harsh alcohol burn that gives you a shiver after a shot, you're better off with the Phillipe LaSala.

This absinth louches quite well when combined with sugar and water. It turns cloudy, which I like and louching really enhances the sweetness inside. It's delicious.

PHILIPPE LASALA

I received this 1.0 Liter bottle as a prize for answering a riddle on a website. Here's the sites description:

"Absinth Philippe Lasala is an affordable Absinthe which has been produced since before the beginning of the Spanish Civil War.

Produced without artificial dyes, this Absinthe has a smooth but fairly basic flavor profile containing wormwood, fennel, hyssop, and other herbs.

It's originated in Spain. One awesome feature about this Absinth is it's size. While most bottles are sold as a 700 ml (.7 Liter), this number is sold in a larger 1 Liter bottle (1000 ml). This is great because you're given more Absinth for you're money and who's going to complain about more Absinth?

I preferred to take this Absinth in shots. Initially, this Absinth is sweeter than most. It's very smooth going down thanks to it's lower 50 proof alcohol content, so a chaser isn't necessary. While some Absinths emphasize the alcohol content, this one follows the theory of enjoyment and taste, rather than effect. Philippe LaSala louches great with water and turns cloudy though it's nice blend of anise. Thanks to the alcohol content, you're not drunk when the effect begins to kick in after a few shots.

I would highly recommend this Absinth for anyone who's hasn't had much experience with the spirit, due to it's sweet flavor and low non-burning alcohol content. If you can take the first, then you can take many more.

At the time of this post, Absinth24.net is selling this brand for $35.00 (+S&H). A steal and great value for the high quality of Absinth.

Welcome

Those who know me, know my love of Absinth, also spelled Absinthe. Since 2002 or so, I've enjoyed this drink and have sought it out. I order 99% of my Absinth online (I once purchased it from a local stiller and absintheur.) I think I've drank enough and different brands to begin reviewing this wonderful spirit.

Recently, it's 106 year old ban has been lifted and is now freely sold throughout the world.

This review will try to encompass the whole American experience. I'll review the website, the service, the shipping, the packaging and the product along with links that may be interesting to you.

Enjoy.