Absinthe

• Absente Absinthe (700ml)

  Provence, FRANCE

  $109. 99

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  $1319.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 55%

  Closure: Cork

  Absinthe was the trademark drink during the heady days of 19th century Paris. Famous artists, writers and poets like Picasso, Baudelaire, Hemingway, Degas, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec and Oscar Wilde all heavily indulged in it. Maybe it was the mystical allure of 'The Green Fairy', or maybe it helped inspire their creativity. Absente, or 'Absinthe Refined', is a modern version of the original Absinthe recipe. While it retains the same aromatics and emerald green colour, its difference is that the Wormwood, (the botanical that caused the initial ban), has been replaced with a less bitter cousin called Southern-Wormwood, also known as 'Petite Absinthe'.

  FOOD AND WINE MAGAZINE, December 2000 DRINKS HONORS: SPIRITS OF THE YEAR AWARDS.
  BEST NEW 'ABSINTHE': 'ABSENTE'.
  

  
  Other reviews...The nose is predominately anise, but some light floral aromas and a suggestion of citrus zest lurk in the backdrop. The medium body presents a dryish palate that's similar to the nose, but with a sophisticated touch of bitter herbs. 55% Alc./Vol. 94 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

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• Distilleries de Provence Absinthe Trio Gift Pack (3 x 100ml)

  Provence, FRANCE

  $74. 99

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  $899.88 Dozen

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  Three contrasting styles make up this educational gift pack which includes one 100ml bottle of each of the following absinthes:

  Absente 55%, composed of a perfect mix of wormwood, mugwort, anise seed, lemon balm and peppermint. A classic expression that's delicately sweet and slightly fresh and spicy. 

  Grande Absente 69% is a traditional style with more of a bitter taste due to a higher proportion of wormwood and less sugar.

  Absente 26 fluo 26%, a low alcohol absinthe composed of mugwort, wormwood plants, southernwood, green anise, lemon balm and peppermint - also reported to glow in the dark under certain lighting conditions due to the presence of riboflavin.

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• • 91

  Distilleries de Provence Grande Absente Absinthe (700ml)

  Provence, FRANCE

  $130. 00

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  $1560.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 69%

  Closure: Cork

  A new absinth contiaining 35mg of Thujone.

  Tasting note: The bright neon-lime green appearance is a little overdone. Nosing reveals powerful aromas of star anise and fresh fennel over more herbaceous notes including sage. Deceptively delicate on entry, the palate crescendos into an intense, bitter-sweet and slightly numbing experience, dominated by liquorice, becoming drier as the heat dies down, but overall well balanced at this high ABV. Concludes with a burst of fresh liquorice strap followed by a subtle spearmint / liquorice fade. A fat, full throttle style that will appeal to the young and adventurous moreso than serious absinth devotees. 69% Alc./Vol.

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• Green Fairy Dabel Absinth (Absinthe) (500ml)

  CZECH REPUBLIC

  $109. 99

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  $1319.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 70%

  Closure: Cork

  Absinth today has made a fashionable comeback and is now readily available in the U.S., much of Europe and now Australia. Absinth Dabel is a strong version of the genre (70% alc./vol.) Expect a full, rich mouthfeel blending aniseed and fresh citrus notes.

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• • 79

  Green Fairy Absinth (Absinthe) 500ml

  CZECH REPUBLIC

  $69. 99

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  $839.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 40%

  Closure: Cork

  Absinthe (or Absinth) is an alcoholic drink made with the pounded leaves and flowering tops of one species of wormwood plant (Artemisia absinthium) together with other herbs such as angelica root, fennel, nettles, parsley, balm, sweet flag root and hyssop. Emerald green in colour and usually very bitter, Abisinthe is traditionally poured over a perforated spoonful of sugar into a glass of water – or vice versa. The drink then turns into an opaque white as the essential oils precipitate out of the alcoholic solution.
  
  Tasting note: Pale turquoise colour with a water like hue. A flat, straightforward nose reveals mild aromas of spearmint confectionary and issues a tingling sensation within the nostrils. A trace of eucalypt is evident. Very concentrated, hot and prickly mouth feel covers the tongue with flavours of semi-sweet spearmint confectionary. Simple and one dimensional, the palate drys the mouth quickly leaving a green peppercorn like flavour. Short, spicy, drying, mint aftertaste with the tingling sensation persisting longer than the flavours. A very basic Absinthe. 40% Alc./Vol.
  
  Other reviews... Neon blue/green color; excellent purity. Opening inhalations encounter industrial alcohol aromas with bits and pieces of cardboard-like flavorings and nothing really botanical, meaning woodsy, root-like, or herbal; the second whiffs following additional time in the glass does turn up a few hints of things like mint and leaves, but not enough to be viable in a crowded field. Entry is gooey, syrupy, meagerly botantical, and a waste of my time; midpalate is industrial, absinthe-by-the-numbers, and poor. This producer doesn’t have the vaguest clue of what absinthe is or how it should smell, feel, and taste. Clueless.
  Spirit Journal 2009 Rating: Not Recommended - spiritjournal.com
  

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• • 96

  • Nick's Import

  Jade Terminus Oxygenee Absinthe (700ml)

  Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE

  $199. 00

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  $2388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 68%

  The final in a series of historical recreations from contemporary absinthe master, Ted Breaux, produced at the Combier Distillery in France's picturesque Loire Valley. Beautifully presented with a label referencing Nikolai Tesla. The colour is a flawless emerald green. There is something special to the nose; whiffs of fresh alpine air amidst fennel, ripe juniper and anise keynotes; 3-4 minutes in the glass shifts the emphasis, hinting at pine sap, cut grass, lady's handbag, sweet spice and more... Undiluted it's intense, pleasingly bitter-sweet and well rounded with a juicy burst of anise and liquorice. Tingling, bordering on prickly, yet remarkably poised at 68% ABV. The spirit evaporates on the tongue. Ends dry, herbal, fresh, super long and invigorating like a day hike in the Alps. Easily one of the highlights in the current Jade collection. 68% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... "Absinthe Terminus Oxygénée is the final release in the Jade Absinthe portfolio of historically accurate Absinthes. It is a very special Absinthe, as it plays homage to one of the most interesting Absinthes of the Belle Époque era: Absinthe Oxygénée. This brand separated itself from its peers by a specialized hot oxygenation production process. This treatment was advertised as being “Hygiénique”, because drinking a glass of this Absinthe would not extract oxygen from the blood but rather add oxygen to it, which would have a healing effect on the nerve system, circulation and lungs… In a way, this new production method was a reaction to several scientists and scholars proclaiming that alcohol, and absinthe above all – the scapegoat of the French wine industry – was very dangerous to consumers’ health. Besides being good for your health, this claim was actually also used for advertisement “C´est ma santé” the oxygenation process also lets the Absinthe age very quickly. You can compare it with decanting a wine, allowing oxygen to mix with the molecules of the spirit changing its taste and aroma. The result is a very smooth Absinthe without any alcoholic sharpness. The original brand was the subject of widespread publicity, sold at a premium, and was exported to various ports around the globe. Nevertheless, Cusenier was not the only producer of an oxygenated Absinthe. Premier Fils, another French Absinthe manufacturer also offered an Absinthe Oxygéneé.

  Jade Terminus Oxygénée Absinthe Supérieure is artisanally distilled from the same botanicals as the original. The taste is herbal, slightly reminding of medicine due to a healthy dose of a particularly interesting species of wormwood harvested from the foothills of the Alps. True to the original, the final product is also subjected to a hot oxygenation process that closely mirrors the original technique. On the tongue, the Absinthe is creamy, features potent aromatics and a lengthy, stimulating herbal aftertaste. Like all the Jade Absinthes, Terminus Oxygénée is carefully distilled by T. A. Breaux, using the original 19th century Absinthe alembics in the historical Combier distillery. Terminus Oxygénée Absinthe represents the most powerful expression of the spirits in the Jade portfolio." - www.alandia.de/

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• • 96

  • Nick's Import

  Jade C.F. Berger V.S. 1898 Absinthe (700ml)

  Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE

  $199. 00

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  $2388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 65%

  The distillery of C.F. Berger was founded in Couvet, in the canton of Neufchâtel, Switzerland in 1823. The Berger distillery crafted several Swiss style absinthes, the most famous of these being the C.F. Berger 65º degree absinthe verte, which earned its status as one of the premier absinthes of the 19th century. Unfortunately, absinthe crafting at the Berger distillery came to a halt with the Swiss ban of 1910, and the distillery ceased all activities in Switzerland shortly thereafter. Enter Jade Liqueurs. Those already in the know will be familiar with Ted Breaux, a biochemist and researcher who grew up in New Orleans. Ted rose to fame when he cracked the “Absinthe code” in the late 1990s, employing gas chromatography to analyse an old sample. Ted subsequently set up a business, ‘Jade Liqueurs’, with the aim of recreating several ‘rediscovered’ Absinthes.

  This fine Swiss absinthe was lost forever if it had not been for the resurfacing of original, unopened bottles which Jade Liqueurs was able to secure for preservation. Using proprietary analytical techniques, they made a painstaking recreation based on select botanicals from the original regions, distilled in ancient copper absinthe alembics. The result delivers an experience characteristic of the best Swiss styles. The colour is gold with a pale emerald green blush. An intense bouquet opens with fresh liquorice root, Indian spices (fenungreek, tumeric, coriander seed) combining with fennel overtones; later passes hint at plasticine, peppermint and crushed eucalyptus leaves. The palate is achingly intense, piney, woody and bittersweet followed by a juicy, sweet anise / liquorice burst. Ends super fresh, beautifully balanced, deeply satisfying and long. Superb. 65% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... Created by American absinthe expert, Ted Breaux and Combier Distillery, who analysed a rare original 19th century bottle of C.F. Berger absinthe verte from Couvet, Switzerland to formulate this modern replica Jade C.F. Berger (also known as Verte Suisse or V.S. 1898) absinthe. Appearance: Clear, pale golden with greeny blue tinge. With water louches milky very pale dirty green. Aroma: Vegetal, herbal nose with barky-wormwood, allspice, fennel and anise. Dried herbal and slightly musty rather than fresh. Taste: Dry herbaceous with continuing musty note. Wormwood, fennel and anise with marjoram and faint clove. Aftertaste: Herbaceous, woody influenced finish. 4.5 stars. - diffordsguide.com

  5-STARS / Highest Recommendation - Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal

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• • 95

  • Nick's Import

  Jade Esprit Edouard Absinthe (700ml)

  Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE

  $199. 00

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  $2388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 72%

  This is the first absinthe that Jade painstakingly reverse engineered from sealed antique bottles of the original spirit. Its story is rooted in the late 19th century, at the time when one of the world's most prestigious absinthe distilleries was at the zenith of its existence. This distillery crafted products that were the subject of widespread acclaim and international export. At the time of the ban, this distillery had earned the distinction as one of the largest absinthe producers and was considered by many absinthe connoisseurs to be one of the finest marques. Almost a century later, perfectly preserved bottles of this pre-ban absinthe have yielded the secrets of its producer. Not since the original French and Swiss bans has the world seen a French absinthe that boasts the quality of this original - a fabulously faithful reproduction.

  Esprit Edouard pours an eye-catching bright lime green. The bouquet opens shy, but engages with an amalgam of citrus peel, cut grass and chamomile tea-like scents. Second pass adds fennel, crushed curry leaf, sweet oregano and cool mint to the intriguing complexity. A concentrated, dry, piney, anise burst follows through to a vibrant, sappy, mildly bittersweet mid palate...a surge of sweet anise, then delicately bitter to finish with hints of turmeric and liquorice root through the aftertaste. Wow! The balance is quite astonishing given the lip-numbing ABV. The extreme end of absinthe in every sense. 72% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... The first absinthe created by American absinthe expert, Ted Breaux and Combier to replicate an original sample of 19th century. Prior to the ban in the early 1900s, Esprit Edouard was one of the leading brands of absinthe. Appearance: Clear, deep greeny gold. With water louches cloudy milky yellow green. Oils cling to surface resisting integration with water during louche. Aroma: Citrussy, anise, fennel and génépi with note of carbolic soap, faint barkyness with uncooked cut cabbage and coriander leaf. Taste: Wormwood, fennel and anise - clean and direct with well integrated flavours of cumin and coriander seed. Aftertaste: Fades with anise. Long cleaning finish. Clean direct flavours make perfect for cocktail use. 5 Stars. Outstanding. - diffordsguide.com

  95 Points - The Tasting Panel

  5-STARS / Highest Recommendation - Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal

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• • 95
  • 93

  • Nick's Import

  Jade 1901 Absinthe (700ml)

  Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE

  $199. 00

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  $2388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 68%

  Those already in the know will be familiar with Ted Breaux, a biochemist and researcher who grew up in New Orleans. Ted rose to fame when he cracked the “Absinthe code” in the late 1990s, employing gas chromatography to reverse engineer the spirit from sealed bottles of the 1901 original produced at the Pontarlier Pernod Fils factory several months before the facility burnt down. Ted subsequently set up a business, ‘Jade Liqueurs’, with the aim of recreating several ‘rediscovered’ Absinthes.

  Jade 1901 Absinthe Supérieure represents the second release from Ted that was carefully reverse-engineered from sealed antique bottles. It should be noted that when a large cache of the pre-ban original was discovered in recent times, a few bottles were found to be in a remarkable state of preservation, retaining much of their original colour and freshness. Those who have been fortunate enough to taste these were unanimous in their remarks as to the striking similarities between the vintage bottles and the Jade 1901 Absinthe Supérieure pre-ban clone. Breaux employs a special copper pot still at the Combier Distillery and infuses the resulting eaux de vie with whole botanicals. The spirit is then rested for an average of three years before bottling.

  Jade 1901 pours gold with a pretty bright jade-green blush. The opening bouquet has a dry, bitter feel including hints of tarragon, curry leaf, liquorice root and black jelly bean...with air contact, shades of chamomile and peppermint tea, lemon peel, anise and lanolin. Outstanding aromatic complexity. A bittersweet , spicy entry leads into a concentrated anise burst. Black jellybean fade. Very clean, linear, and elegant with excellent length. 1901 is possibly the most restrained in the collection, but by a small margin. 68% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... Burnished gold in the glass, louching to opalescent light gold, and scented with bold notes of anise and licorice. The flavor is mild at first, but shows more anise on the long, rounded finish. 93 points - wineenthusiast.com

  ...a classic absinthe, balanced and crisp, with an appetizing herbal aroma and a smooth, lingering aftertaste.” Very mild. With sugar and water, it’s almost like a pastis, pleasant, refreshing, and easygoing. After awhile, I found the finish turning a touch bitter, like a dried herbal character. Lovely louche. - drinkhacker.com

  ...Jade 1901 is the second absinthe created by American absinthe expert, Ted Breaux and Combier to replicate a sample of 19th century. Combier uses two 1,100 litre copper alembics dating from 1870 and purchased from an absinthe distiller in Pontarlier in the early 1900s. Appearance: Clear, pale golden with green tinge. With water louches milky very pale dirty green. Aroma: Delicate green earthy herbal notes with angelica, sage, tarragon and faint citrussy lime blossom. Anise aromas are well integrated with cassia warming spice. Taste: Slight woodiness to a punchy anise tong numbing palate with nutmeg spice. Aftertaste:Long, wormwood and woody green anise finish. 4.5 stars. Recommended. - diffordsguide.com

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• • 92

  • Nick's Import

  L'Entete Absinthe (700ml)

  Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE

  $120. 00

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  $1440.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 62%

  The name "L'Entêté" means "The Stubborn Absinthe", in reference to the reaction Combier's owner and distiller, Franck Choisne, had to the 1988 French law restricting the inclusion of fennel in absinthe. This expression includes Spanish green anise, large wormwood (cultivated in Beaufort) and, not surprisingly, Provencal fennel!

  Tasting note: The translucent pale green-yellow colour is slightly cloudy. Delicately bitter opening sniffs are pine fresh, with anise / liquorice, mint and trace cinnamon. Tasted undiluted, it presents a leaner styled absinthe with a concentrated, drying attack; mildly prickly at mid-palate, flavours of fennel, liquorice, pine needles and after dinner mints carry through to a medium long finish. 62% Alc./Vol.

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• Lemercier 72 Abisinthe (Absinthe) (700ml)

  Fougerolles, FRANCE

  $159. 99

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  $1919.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 72%

  Closure: Cork

  By the end of the 18th century, doctor Pierre Ordinaire, native of the Doubs, but exiled in the canton of Neuchatel in Switzerland, invented the absinthe elixir, composed of aromatic plants from which he claimed had curative powers. At his death, he bequeathed the secret of this elixir to his housekeeper who was supposed to have sold it to the Henriot sisters at Couvet. Those women cultivated by themselves the plants that they distilled in a little still; the liqueur was then distributed by hawkers. Not managing to keep up with demand, they sold the recipe in 1797 to Major Dubied, who, with his son, settled the first absinthe distillery in Couvet. From a once medicinal potion, absinthe was soon being consumed for pleasure. Since its growing success, a second distillery was created and absinthe soon became known through the whole of France thanks to commercial travellers. At this time, around 1825, other distilleries were founded in Haute-Saône and in Doubs, and later, in the South of France, as well as in the region of Paris. One such distillery was Lemerciers. Before 1800, the Lemerciers were an important farming family, living in Grand-Fahys, a hamlet in the district of Fougerolles. In addition to their farm land, they also owned several orchards from which they produced Kirsch and Plum Brandy. However, little by little, their production of brandies greatly exceeded their personal requirements and they became professional distillers.

  Only relatively recently has the Lemercier company commenced commercial production of Absinthe, a spirit containing wormwood plants. This sugarless aperitive is obtained thanks to a traditional process, and still follows the same recipe which was used by the Lemercier’s ancestors. Numerous plants enter in its composition: wormwood (big absinthe), green anise, star anise, fennel, gentian and armoise amongst others. After a maceration of several hours in alcohol, the seeds and plants are distilled, followed by an infusion of plants which are added to create colour. Then a maturation of nine months is necessary to make the aromas of the various plants and seeds develop. The essential oil of the big wormwood (absinthe) contains more than fourty components. The thujone is the main element incriminated in the toxicity of absinthe. (Thujone is also found in other plants such as salvia, some varieties of lavender, and “achillée millefeuilles”.)The thujone levels in absinthe are too small to be of any real risk, as with other beverages which also contain thujone such as vermouths, “génépi” liqueurs and the famous “Chartreuse”.

  In 1988, a directive from the European Council lay down the content to be respected regarding the different products which are used in the making of food products. The thujone content to be respected is 10 mg/kg for alcoholic beverages titrating more than 25 % proof in volume and 35 mg/kg for specific alcoholic beverages. Lemercier’s ABISINTHE 72 % possesses a thujone content of up to 10 mg/litre. No tasting notes available. 72% Alc./Vol.

  

   Click here to learn more about Liqueurs.
   Click here for Classic Cocktails.
   Click here to learn more about Absinthe.
  

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• Lemercier Amere Absinthe (700ml)

  Fougerolles, FRANCE

  $159. 99

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  $1919.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 72%

  Closure: Cork

  Created in 2004, 'Amer' (bitter) Absinthe contains a higher grande wormwood or Artemisia absinthium content which contributes to its delicately bitter taste. Bottled at a potent ABV of 72%. No sugar added.

  Other reviews... Bronze medal a the 2004 Concours International des Eaux de Vie de Fruits in Metz (International Contest of Fruit Brandies)

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• • Reduced

  Lemercier Abisinthe (Absinthe) (700ml)

  Fougerolles, FRANCE

  Reduced from $125.00

  $114. 99

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  $1379.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 45%

  Closure: Cork

  By the end of the 18th century, doctor Pierre Ordinaire, native of the Doubs, but exiled in the canton of Neuchatel in Switzerland, invented the absinthe elixir, composed of aromatic plants from which he claimed had curative powers. At his death, he bequeathed the secret of this elixir to his housekeeper who was supposed to have sold it to the Henriot sisters at Couvet. Those women cultivated by themselves the plants that they distilled in a little still; the liqueur was then distributed by hawkers. Not managing to keep up with demand, they sold the recipe in 1797 to Major Dubied, who, with his son, settled the first absinthe distillery in Couvet. From a once medicinal potion, absinthe was soon being consumed for pleasure. Since its growing success, a second distillery was created and absinthe soon became known through the whole of France thanks to commercial travellers. At this time, around 1825, other distilleries were founded in Haute-Saône and in Doubs, and later, in the South of France, as well as in the region of Paris. One such distillery was Lemerciers. Before 1800, the Lemerciers were an important farming family, living in Grand-Fahys, a hamlet in the district of Fougerolles. In addition to their farm land, they also owned several orchards from which they produced Kirsch and Plum Brandy. However, little by little, their production of brandies greatly exceeded their personal requirements and they became professional distillers.

  Only relatively recently has the Lemercier company commenced commercial production of Absinthe, a spirit containing wormwood plants. This sugarless aperitive is obtained thanks to a traditional process, and still follows the same recipe which was used by the Lemercier’s ancestors. Numerous plants enter in its composition: wormwood (big absinthe), green anise, star anise, fennel, gentian and armoise amongst others. After a maceration of several hours in alcohol, the seeds and plants are distilled, followed by an infusion of plants which are added to create colour. Then a maturation of nine months is necessary to make the aromas of the various plants and seeds develop. The essential oil of the big wormwood (absinthe) contains more than fourty components. The thujone is the main element incriminated in the toxicity of absinthe. (Thujone is also found in other plants such as salvia, some varieties of lavender, and “achillée millefeuilles”.)The thujone levels in absinthe are too small to be of any real risk, as with other beverages which also contain thujone such as vermouths, “génépi” liqueurs and the famous “Chartreuse”.

  In 1988, a directive from the European Council lay down the content to be respected regarding the differents products which are used in the making of food products. The thujone content to be respected is 10 mg/kg for alcoholic beverages titrating more than 25 % proof in volume and 35 mg/kg for specific alcoholic beverages. Lemercier’s ABISINTHE 45 % possesses a thujone content of up to 10 mg/litre. No tasting notes available. 45% Alc./Vol.

  

   Click here to learn more about Liqueurs.
   Click here for Classic Cocktails.
   Click here to learn more about Absinthe
  

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• • 94

  Les Fils d'Emile Pernot Absinthe Bourgeois Absinthe (500ml)

  Pontarlier, FRANCE

  $99. 99

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  $1199.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 55%

  Les fils d'Emile Pernot distillery was founded in 1890 and is located in Pontarlier, France, the birthplace of French absinthe. It has been family run from father to son continuously up until 2005. In addition to their recently developed absinthes and their premium pastis, the classic Vieux Pontarlier distilled anise, the distillery produces a large range of local liqueurs and eaux de vie, including Wild Strawberry liqueur; 'Pontiane', a gentiane-root aperitif similar but superior to Suze and 'Un Sapin', a forest-scented pine-bud liqueur. Their magnificent century-old copper alembics were specially designed for Absinthe production by the famous firm of Egrot in the early 1900s. Reputedly the only stills of their kind in operation anywhere in the world, they're considered a key factor in Pernot's ongoing quality.

  If not for the immensely popular public appeal of the famous advertising 'absinthe drinking cat' poster, the Bourgeois label would be long forgotten (it used to be an absinthe brand and the poster hung in nearly every restaurant or bistro in France). It is now the feature on this label. Inside the bottle is a pale green-gold absinthe in an accessible style, perfect for the warmer months. The lifted bouquet offers a potpourri of herbs and alpine freshness, including notes of liquorice, aniseed, juniper, chamomile and lavender. While silky and relaxed on entry, an intense aniseed rush develops through the attack before tingling alcohol, bittersweet herbs, peppermint and liquorice strap enter at the finish. Bright and refreshing, comparisons to premium Pastis are not without justification. 55% Alc./Vol.

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• Pernod Absinthe (700ml)

  FRANCE

  $104. 99

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  $1259.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 68%

  Closure: Cork

  This spirit was inspired by the original recipe that made the House of Pernod famous at the beginning of the 19th century.

  The Absinthe Story...
  Absinthe was invented at Couvet in the Canton of Neuchatel, Switzerland in 1797 by Dr. Pierre Ordinaire. It became popular in the French army in the early part of the 19th century as an antidote to fever. Henri-Louis Pernod later opened the first Absinthe distillery in Switzerland and then moved to a larger premises in Pontarlier, France in 1805. By the 1850's it had become the favourite drink of the upper class. Originally wine based, a blight in 1870's on the vineyards forced manufacturers to use grain alcohol as a base. This increased its affordability and the drink quickly became popular amongst bohemians. Artists and writers like Van Gogh, Baudelaire, and Verlaine, to name a few, believed Absinthe to stimulate creativity. Most days started with a drink of “La fée verte” (the ‘green fairy’ as it became commonly known), and ended with “l'heure verte (the green hour) as one or two (or more) were taken as an apéritif.

  However, in the 1850's, there began to be concern about the results of chronic use. Absinthe was believed to produce a syndrome, called absinthism, which was characterized by addiction, hyperexcitability, and hallucinations. This concern over the health effects of absinthe was amplified by the prevailing belief in Lamarckian theories of heredity. In other words, it was believed that any traits acquired by absinthists would be passed on to their children. Absinthe's association with the bohemian lifestyle also worked to compound fears about its effects, much as has happened with marijuana in America. Absinthe was subsequently banned in many countries in the beginning of the 1900's.

  The remains some question as to the active component or components of absinth. Alcohol is obviously one main component. However, another primary candidate is thujone, a monoterpene which is considered a convulsant. Thujone's mechanism of action is not known, although structural similarities between thujone and tetrahydrocannabinol (the active component in marijuana) have led some to hypothesize that both substances have the same site of action in the brain. Thujone makes up 40 to 90% (by weight) of the essence of wormwood, from which absinthe is made. Thus, thujone would appear to be a good candidate for a second active component in absinth.

  Absinth today has made a fashionable comeback and is now readily available in the U.S., much of Europe and now Australia. Pernod Absinthe is a high octane example of the genre (68% alc./vol.) It has a full, rich mouthfeel blending aniseed and fresh citrus notes. Despite the alcoholic strength, the drink is surprisingly smooth. Pernod with absinthe plant extracts can be prepared in the traditional way by carefully pouring chilled water over a sugar cube held in an openwork spoon, or without sugar, diluted with five to seven parts chilled water.

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• • 96

  Angelique Absinthe (700ml)

  SWITZERLAND

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 68%

  A Swiss “Verte” from the Val-de-Travers, made from 12 different herbs, including angelica and locally grown wormwood. Its colour is obtained by a classic post-distillation maceration of different aromatic herbs with no artificial colouring added.

  Claude-Alain Bugnon distilled his first absinthe illegally in 2000, then, having received a recipe from one of his friends, he decided to make a living from distilling. On the 1st of March 2005, the Federal Council decided to legalize absinthe in Switzerland ending a 95-year-old prohibition. According to www.absinthes.com, his ‘Clandestine' has been and is still considered by many to be the best Swiss La Bleue available today. Angelique is described as the rebel sister of "La Clandestine", the former being higher in alcohol and more bitter.

  Tasting note: [no water added] Pale opal green. Leaps out of the glass with piercing aromas of fennel / aniseed, spearmint confectionary, menthol and dried herbs. 2-3 minutes settles the bouquet accenting potpourri and earthy-woodsy notes. Entry is sedate, momentarily juicy. Mid palate explodes with a bittersweet, herbal / pine / anise attack. Finishes tingly, tongue nipping and liqouricey with bitter herbal notes lingering late in the aftertaste. A classic, full throttle absinthe that's sure to impress. 67% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews… 4.5 Stars – www.diffordsguide.com

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• • 94

  Bareksten Illsint Absint (500ml)

  NORWAY

  $110. 00

  Bottle

  $1320.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 60%

  Tasting note: Produced at Norway's Oss Craft Distillery. Clear. Complex, spicy, earthy opening aromas develop with aniseed, tarragon, white pepper and herbal teas. Unfolds in an intense melting pot of anise and black jelly bean flavours with a tingling, green anise, liquorice root and cool mint accented finish. Plush, full-bodied absinthe with great flavour definition and mouthfeel. 60% Alc./Vol.

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• Blanche de Fougerolles Absinthe (700ml)

  Fougerolles, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 74%

  Closure: Cork

  The Distillerie Paul Devoille is located in Fougerolles, Haut Saone in North East France, close to the Alsace region. It was founded in 1859 by Xavier Devoille, the father of Paul, and is considered one of the top 10 distilleries in France for fruit eau-de-vie. It was purchased in 1985 by René de Miscault and is now run by his son, Hugues. Fougerolles is the French capital of cherry eau-de-vie, know as 'kirsch,' however, distilleries like Devoille produced absinthe in great quantities from the end of the 19th century up to 1915, mostly in bulk following specific recipes for regional absinthes. The demand for absinthe was so great at the time that more famous distilleries could not keep up with production, and absinthe was 'imported' from Fougerolles to other French cities (including Pontarlier) to be bottled and labeled with local names.
  
  Verte de Fougerolles Absinthe was created upon request according to specifications from the directors of Liqueurs de France in 2003. The spirit became an instant success and was soon followed by Blanche de Fougerolles - the first absinthe made to a known historic and openly published recipe found in 19th century French distiller's manuals. Blanche de Fougerolles is made with a grape-alcohol base, and combines grande and petite wormwood, green anise, hyssop, veronica, camomile, génepi, fennel, coriander and angelica; all plants are individually distilled into full 80%+ alcoholates, which are then blended. The alcoholic strength is then reduced as historically specified to 74%, giving this absinthe real backbone, without overpowering the finesse and lingering aromas. This absinthe is often compared to, and surpasses in quality, many uncoloured Swiss la Bleues now made today.
  No tasting notes available.
  - notes partially sourced from www.absinthesonline.com
  

   Click here to learn more about Absinthe
  

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• Bordiga Absinthe Elixir (500ml)

  ITALY

  $129. 99

  Bottle

  $1559.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 70%

  Based on a recipe from 1903, Bordiga create this punchy absinthe using hand-harvested alpine herbs from the Piedmont region, giving it a spicy aroma and a lightly tart, elegant taste. Its high strength means it will be best enjoyed in the traditional fashion, with a dash of ice-cold spring water - or mix it up in cocktails. 70% Alc./Vol.

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• Brevans A Crowley Absinthe (500ml)

  SWITZERLAND

  $145. 00

  Bottle

  $1740.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 68%

  A fascinating barrel-aged Absinthe, first distilled by Oliver Matter in 2011, and the third in the "Brevans" series. A good portion of cognac was added to the distillate before letting it rest for 3.5 years. Described as “A bombastic but beautifully woody and smoky elixir”, it makes for an appropriate homage to the occultist, poet and novelist, Aleister Crowley, who penned a famous essay on Absinthe - "The Green Goddess". He also dabbled in painting, so suitably, the label features a portrait of Gertrud Howe by the Beast himself.

  Note: The natural ingredients may lead to sediment forming. 68% Alc./Vol.

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• Brevans HR Giger Absinthe (500ml)

  SWITZERLAND

  $135. 00

  Bottle

  $1620.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 68%

  Oliver Matter runs the Matter-Luginbuhl distillery in Kallanch, Switzerland where he produces a range of highly respected absinthe brands including Duplais, Mansinthe, Nouvelle Vague and the Brevans series. The latter are named after Jacques de Brevans, author of the “French Liqour Makers Manual”, one of the most important distillers' manuals of the 19th century.

  This absinthe is actually based on a recipe found in the book and is co-joinly named in honour of the late, legendary Swiss surrealist artist, HR Giger, responsible for designing the Alien creatures and scenery in the Ridley Scott’ film, “Alien” of 1979.

  Noted for its higher wormwood content, this is coloured with natural chlorophyll.

  Other reviews… This pretty jade absinthe louches to shimmering opalescent, with a hint of sea-foam green. Relatively bold, the pungent anise scent is echoed on the palate, perked up by lively hints of fresh basil and lime peel. Finishes long and rounded, with an earthy Dutch licorice twang. 68% Alc./Vol.
  94 points - www.wineenthusiast.com

  This is an interesting offering. In my opinion, it is certainly at the mid-market level mostly because of the lack of anethole balance. The ingredients that are here are certainly of quality, and the execution seems to be very first rate. It's just the herb bill balances that keep this from doing any better with me. The bottle I'm reviewing is from December of 2007. For me, it showed best right around 5:1. I must say, though, that I'm glad to have this around. If anyone I'm showing absinthe to ever commented that they didn't know what pontica is like this might be one of the first I'd reach for. Hey, every absinthe on Earth needn't be the most hedonistic expression only suited to those pursuits. It's nice to have these somewhat idiosyncratic offerings that serve to educate, define the elements, and further refine palates and perceptive abilities. -- www.wormwoodsociety.org

  4.5 Stars - www.diffordsguide.com

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• • Reduced

  Brevans AO Spare Absinthe (500ml)

  SWITZERLAND

  Reduced from $135.00

  $105. 00

  Bottle

  $1260.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 68%

  The second absinthe in the Brevan’s series is also dedicated to a well-known artist, the English painter, Austin Osman Spare, famous for his surreal works that frequently depicted the sub conscious.

  The first batch was distilled on Spare's birthday (December 30th) and was released on April 3rd 2009. Like the HR Giger bottling, the formula was taken from the well known French distiller's manual, "La Fabrication des Liqueurs" published in 1897 by J. De Brevans. Oliver Matter keeps this one simple, using herbs, wormwood and hyssop with zero sugar and no artificial substances. The colour comes from natural chlorophyll.

  Other reviews… 5 stars – www.diffordsguide.com

  International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold 2009 / Best in Class

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• • 92

  Butterfly Boston Absinthe (700ml)

  Couvet, SWITZERLAND

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 65%

  An "American" style absinthe, this is modelled on a formula first produced in Boston by P.Dempsey & Company in the early 20th century. At the time, there were fields of wormwood throughout the Midwest and New England. Absinthe demand in America peaked in the early 1900s and regional distilleries sprung up in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New York, New Orleans and San Francisco. Distillers used other ingredients that were easily sourced on their side of Atlantic, including mint and other herbs, creating a style both complex and uniquely American.

  Composed from a wheat grain neutral spirit base, key ingredients in this contemporary rendition include wormwood, green anise and fennel with the colour naturally derived.

  Tasting note: Attractive pale emerald green with watery edges. Fills the room with a perfume of fresh liquorice with the tingly spirit, becoming more herbal with exposure adding hints of sweet oregano, curry leaf and turmeric. Creamy entry leads into an intense, mildly prickly mid palate attack featuring fresh liquorice strap and juicy anise, rounded off with a drying, spicy, tingly, lingering liquorice fade. Anise bomb style but not overly sweet. 65% Alc./Vol.

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• • 95

  • Nick's Import

  Combier Blanchette Absinthe (700ml)

  Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 60%

  This is another fantastic Ted A. Breaux absinthe, made at the Combier distillery in the Loire Valley, France. Key ingredients include green aniseed, Grand Wormwood and fennel. Warm nose-feel with intense anise and fresh fennel in the first pass. Brief exposure adds a slightly earthy, woodsy edge, as well as sweet oregano and mint chocolate. Super dense, lean and focused; saturates the mouth with an explosion of dry anise, herbal tea, liquorice strap, mint chocolate and tingling heat through the finish. A vibrant, bracing, full throttle blanche style that shows impressive power and persistence. 60% Alc./Vol.

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• • 95

  • Nick's Import

  Combier Blanchette Absinthe (500ml)

  Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE

  $79. 99

  Bottle

  $959.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 60%

  This is another fantastic Ted A. Breaux absinthe, made at the Combier distillery in the Loire Valley, France. Key ingredients include green aniseed, Grand Wormwood and fennel. Warm nose-feel with intense anise and fresh fennel in the first pass. Brief exposure adds a slightly earthy, woodsy edge, as well as sweet oregano and mint chocolate. Super dense, lean and focused; saturates the mouth with an explosion of dry anise, herbal tea, liquorice strap, mint chocolate and tingling heat through the finish. A vibrant, bracing, full throttle blanche style that shows impressive power and persistence. 60% Alc./Vol.

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• • 95

  Distillery Botanica Reverie Absinthe (500ml)

  New South Wales, AUSTRALIA

  $89. 99

  Bottle

  $1079.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 68%

  Tasting note: Pale emerald green. Intense and layered offering drier styled, rustic, earthy / herbal aromas in the first inspection suggesting tarragon, sage and potpourri. Several minutes shifts the accent towards choc-peppermint, liquorice and anise with a peppery overlay. Clean, gently tingly entry is mildly tongue nipping at mid palate with a medium dry anise / liquorice and peppermint led attack. Finish is herbal, spicy, prolonged and pleasantly bitter. Liquorice strap and warming spices repeat in the aftertaste. Well balanced, complex and authentically styled. 68% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... SILVER 2013 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC)

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• • 95

  Duplais Verte Absinthe (1000ml)

  SWITZERLAND

  $230. 00

  Bottle

  $2760.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 68%

  A big one litre version of Duplais Verte with a limited edition art series label.

  Duplais has the distinction of being the first 'verte' released in Switzerland following the lifting of the ban on Absinthe in 2005. Its recipe is based on the 'Suisse' protocols from the important 19th century French distiller's manual, 'Traité des Liqueurs et de la Distillation des Alcools ' by P. Duplais - hence the name. Naturally coloured with aromatic plants following distillation, this demonstrated Oliver Matter's talent and initiative early in the piece. Soon after release, it also caused some controversy amongst locals, since the vast majority of the Swiss are convinced that absinthe should be clear!

  Tasting note: Slightly cloudy, emerald green in appearance. Perfumed scents include a smokey menthol / chamomile top note over heavier scents of very ripe banana and Turkish delight. Exceptional concentration with dense fresh liquorice strap carried by a warming, tingly spirit wave. Very good balance. Turns super dry ending long, delicately bitter but very clean. 68% alc./vol.

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• Duplais Blanche Absinthe (1000ml)

  SWITZERLAND

  $230. 00

  Bottle

  $2760.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 68%

  A big one litre version of Duplais Blanche with a limited edition art series label.

  The founder of the Matter-Luginbühl distillery, Ernst Luginbühl-Bögli originally raised cows in Kallnach, a small German-speaking Swiss town, located between Neuchatel and Bern. Because of his location, he had many commercial contacts in the Val-de-Travers, only 50 kilometers away. This region was not only known for watches and cattle, but for absinthe. The Luginbühl-Bögli family story says that at the end of the 1920's, when searching for ideas for products, Ernst traded a prime Simmental cow for an old local absinthe recipe. It was said to have turned up recently in a search of old business papers.
  
  Today, the distillery distills local farmer's excess fruits into low-yield eau-de-vies, complete with custom bottlings and personal labels. They are now also responsible for distilling the limited run Brut d'alambic Absinthe Blanche still-proof series and International Wine and Spirit Competition gold medal winner Absinthe Duplais, the Absinthe Brevans and Mansinthe, created for the rocker-absintheur, Marilyn Manson.

  Other reviews... This is a beautifully balanced blanche absinthe. Based on the 19th century recipes of P. Duplais, it is distilled using a base of grape wine alcohol presenting a fruity undertone. It is fresh and crisp with a milky white louche releasing a herbal bouquet of wormwood, fennel, anise and mint.  - absintheonline.com

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• • 95

  Duplais Verte Absinthe (700ml)

  Kallnach, SWITZERLAND

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 68%

  Closure: Cork

  Duplais has the distinction of being the first 'verte' released in Switzerland following the lifting of the ban on Absinthe in 2005. Its recipe is based on the 'Suisse' protocols from the important 19th century French distiller's manual, 'Traité des Liqueurs et de la Distillation des Alcools ' by P. Duplais - hence the name. Naturally coloured with aromatic plants following distillation, this demonstrated Oliver Matter's talent and initiative early in the piece. Soon after release, it also caused some controversy amongst locals, since the vast majority of the Swiss are convinced that absinthe should be clear!

  Tasting note: Slightly cloudy, emerald green in appearance. Perfumed scents include a smokey menthol / chamomile top note over heavier scents of very ripe banana and Turkish delight. Exceptional concentration with dense fresh liquorice strap carried by a warming, tingly spirit wave. Very good balance. Turns super dry ending long, delicately bitter but very clean. 68% alc./vol.

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• Duplais Blanche Absinthe (700ml)

  Kallnach, SWITZERLAND

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 68%

  Closure: Cork

  The founder of the Matter-Luginbühl distillery, Ernst Luginbühl-Bögli originally raised cows in Kallnach, a small German-speaking Swiss town, located between Neuchatel and Bern. Because of his location, he had many commercial contacts in the Val-de-Travers, only 50 kilometers away. This region was not only known for watches and absinthe, but famous for cattle. The Luginbühl-Bögli family story says that at the end of the 1920's, when searching for ideas for products, Ernst traded a prime Simmental cow for an old local absinthe recipe. It was said to have turned up recently in a search of old business papers (in the midst of the recent Swiss absinthe legalization publicity).
  
  Today, the distillery distills local farmer's excess fruits into low-yield eau-de-vies, complete with custom bottling and personal labels. They are now also responsible for distilling the limited run Brut d'alambic Absinthe Blanche still-proof series and International Wine and Spirit Competition gold medal winner Absinthe Duplais, the Absinthe Brevans, and Mansinthe, created for the rocker-absintheur, Marilyn Manson.

  Other reviews... This is an absinthe-hater's absinthe. It starts clear and louches to pearly white, and has modest anise on the nose and the palate, both of which emerge further with ice water. Medium body and sharp alcohol bite.68% alc./vol.
  84 points - www.wineenthusiast.com

  This is a beautifully balanced blanche absinthe. Based on the 19th century recipes of P. Duplais, it is distilled using a base of grape wine alcohol presenting a fruity undertone. It is fresh and crisp with a milky white louche releasing a herbal bouquet of wormwood, fennel, anise and mint.  - www.absintheonline.com

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• Duplais Balance Verte Absinthe (700ml)

  SWITZERLAND

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 60%

  "Duplais" is another of Oliver Matter's brands, and this particular expression is based on a recipe from an 1871 book by P.Duplais. Matter dedicated it to the late musician, Jhonn Balance. A subsequent label was designed by his band mate, Peter Christopherson. This is the original label. Extremely limited stocks.

  Other reviews... This is very, very pleasant. Like its name, balanced, clean, traditional, and well executed. It's a really good example of what absinthe should look like with no twists or quirks. My favorite dilutions with this are from about 3.8:1 to 4.2:1 depending on my mood. Really the only thing keeping this from 5s in the categories of “Aroma” through “Overall” is the lack of that ethereal immediacy and freshness that are the hallmark of the very best. Like its Duplais siblings by Matter (the Verte and the Blanche), Balance is just very solid and well done. This is one of those reviews where I'm not sure the scoring tells the whole story. Is Balance the world's best absinthe? Well, certainly not. However, it is IMO at the top of the range we define as “Very Good” before we move into the offerings categorized as “Outstanding”, and “Exemplary”. And I'll tell you, the world wouldn't be a bad place if this were all that was available. On balance, it only occasionally gets better. - wormwoodsociety.org

  ...Old green with golden reflections. Initial aromas of alpine herbs with anise and fennel more obvious. Slow forming louche produced thick, greenish, milky fluid with tints of blue and amber. Addition of the cold water released. Fine, well made.
  International Wine & Spirits Competition 2007: Silver / Best in Class

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• Francois Guy Absinthe (1000ml)

  Pontarlier, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 45%

  Distilled in Pontarlier, which might qualify as the center of French Absinthe distillation in years past, Guy is an old historical brand. The product has more aniseed than average but is produced in the traditional way according to an ancient house recipe. The colour is obtained naturally from plants.

  Three times awarded at the Absinthiades in Pontarlier.

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• • 93

  H.Deniset Jeune Absinther Pontalier Absinthe (500ml)

  FRANCE

  $94. 99

  Bottle

  $1139.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 56%

  Tasting note: Intense anise aroma has a mildy peppery edge with aeration drawing out subtle bitter herbal qualities. Concentrated with a tongue nipping, liquorice root and peppermint profile. Ends clean, warming, satisfying. Peppermint aftertaste. 56% Alc./Vol.

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• Heritage Verte Absinthe (500ml)

  FRANCE

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 68%

  Produced by the family owned distillery, “Paul Devoille” in France, founded in 1859, this green Absinthe is composed from a traditional recipe including Grande wormwood, fennel, green anise and other selected herbs resulting in "a relaxing yet bittersweet headiness". The spirit is a wine base, and the creators claim this will actually 'mature' with time in bottle; i.e.- the flavours will become richer. 68% Alc./Vol

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• • 94
  • 95

  • Nick's Import

  Jade Nouvelle Orleans Absinthe (700ml)

  Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 68%

  As the popularity of absinthe swept through France during the mid 19th century, la fée verte began making her way over to the 'Paris' of the New World, La Nouvelle-Orléans (New Orleans). French-speaking travelers and immigrants alike carried their taste for absinthe to this vibrant port city, and before long, French apothecary Antoine Peychaud was doling out 'healthy' absinthe-laced elixirs from his Royal St. shop. The popularity of absinthe surged in French-speaking Louisiana, and when Henri Degas and Oscar Wilde arrived in New Orleans in the latter part of the 1800s, they had no trouble finding imported French and Swiss absinthes among familiar comforts. By the advent of the 20th century, cafés like the famous Old Absinthe House were making a name for themselves by cooling the humid summers with sazeracs, absinthe frappés, and even the occasional absinthe crème de glace. Unfortunately, it all came to a halt with the U.S. ban on absinthe in 1912 ... or did it?

  Those already in the know will be familiar with Ted Breaux, a biochemist and researcher who grew up in New Orleans. Ted rose to fame when he cracked the “Absinthe code” in the late 1990s, employing gas chromatography to analyse an old sample. Ted subsequently set up a business, ‘Jade Liqueurs’, with the aim of recreating several ‘rediscovered’ Absinthes. Jade "Nouvelle Orleans" represents the inspired work of this native New Orleanian. The heritage of both the drink and its creator are rooted in the original absinthes that made the sazerac cocktail and absinthe frappé famous.

  Nouvelle Orleans presents with a pretty bright turquoise / emerald green and offers a dense, lifted, complex bouquet. Initial sniffs suggest fresh liquorice strap, becoming more herbaceous with hints of fennel, sawn cedar, chamomile tea and curry leaf. Despite the undeniable intensity, there's a sense of delicacy - this feels like it evaporates from the tongue. Anise and dried fennel lead the attack. Concludes ethereal, cleansing, pleasantly bitter; liquorice root and aniseed lingering through the aftertaste. Once again, amazingly balanced given the extraordinary ABV. 68% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews... Grab your corkscrew to open a bottle of this absinthe, a tribute to distiller T.A. Breaux's hometown, New Orleans. The light jade liquid louches to cloudy pale green, releasing gentle fennel, rosemary and fresh basil accented with lime zest and white pepper, plus a long, gentle anise finish. Although it's easy-sipping when louched, the undiluted spirit is ideal for prepping a glass to receive a sazerac. 95 points - wineenthusiast.com

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• Jade Verte Suisse 65 Absinthe (750ml)

  Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE

  $199. 00

  Bottle

  $2388.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 65%

  Closure: Cork

  
  

  'A great re-construction of the absinthe of history'.
  
  

  The original C. F. Berger absinthe was first created in Switzerland in 1830 and became so popular in France that another distillery was opened in Marseille by 1874. 'Swiss-style' absinthes (a term used to describe the manufacturing technique and not necessarily the origin) became the standard for quality, so much so that French distilleries often used the term 'Suisse' to designate their finest absinthes and virtually all French absinthes carried a Swiss cross on their labels.
  
  'Verte Suisse' absinthe would have been lost forever if it had not been for the resurfacing of a few extremely rare original, and unopened bottles. Using proprietary analytical techniques, Jade Liqueurs painstakingly resurrected the liquor from extinction for study and preservation. Its spicy, herbal aromas and a full, intense taste demonstrate why its ancestor was one of the top 5 absinthes of the 19th century. An ideal aperitif or digestif, capable of complimenting your favourite cigar.
  
  Tasting note: Pale yellow/green. Fragrant nose with floral notes to start which are soon overtaken by full power of wormwood, fennel, anise and hyssop. The addition of the cold water brought a slow and steady forming, but complete louche and released another wave of aromatics similar to the first but in even greater volume. Great range of mountain herbs adds to the complexity. A great re-construction of the absinthe of history. Rating: Gold Medal Winner and Best in Class at the 2007 IWSC
  - tasting note sourced from IWBC, International Wine & Spirits Competition.
  
  

   Click here to learn more about Absinthe
  

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• • 91

  • Nick's Import

  Kubler Véritable Fée Verte Absinthe (500ml)

  Val-de-Travers, Neuchatel, SWITZERLAND

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 53%

  Closure: Cork

  The Kübler Distillery, founded in 1863 by the great grandfather of Yves Kübler, became one of the most famous Swiss absinthe distilleries in the Val-de-Travers. Yves took up the trail of the Green Fairy once more in 1990 when he acquired an old vineyard house, installed an imposing copper retort still and established the Distillerie 'Blackmint'. Using an old family recipe, Kübler first distilled a pastis-like aniseed aperitif - 'La Rincette' (made without the then illegal ingredient, wormwood) and went to work in secret on a genuine absinthe.
  
  On the 10th October 2001, exactly 91 years and three days after the start of the Swiss prohibition, his first objective was reached: Yves Kübler distilled and sold his first 500 litres of 'Extrait d'Absinthe Kübler'. This product, made legal by the gradual loosening of certain regulations on absinthe ingredients, was greeted with cheers by many and outrage by some, but finally the pressure on the government was too much. In March of 2005, all federal Swiss absinthe laws were repealed, giving Yves the right to make and sell the local product his great grandfather had helped make famous. Véritable Fée Verte Absinthe Kübler was reborn! It uses only hand-harvested wormwood from local fields.
  
  Tasting note: Clear. Aniseed and fennel over some heavier scents of fresh liquorice strap. Big round entry offers semi sweet, juicy liquorice strap and spice flavours. Very clean with a gentle spirit tingle. Long, chalky, drying aftertaste of liquorice all sorts. 53% Alc./Vol.

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• • 95

  La Clandestine Absinthe (700ml)

  Couvet, SWITZERLAND

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

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  A blanche style made in the birthplace of absinthe in the Val de Travers, Couvet, Switzerland. Seven of the the ten botanicals are sourced from local farms which are all married and macerated in neutral grain alcohol and distilled in copper alembics to 76% abv. This is done in small batches of 88 litres at a time.The distillate is cut using Swiss mountain stream water before bottling.

  Tasting note: Pale and clear with some minor particles evident. Opens unexpectedly sweet and raw sugar like before releasing drier scents of kumquat paste, (tarragon / sage?) and curry leaf over deep anise, the latter amplified after aeration. Gains added freshness and definition in the later passes. Lean and light on entry developing texture and attitude at the mid palate stage with a slow motion, penetrating attack of dried herbs, peppermint and anise fanning out; excellent bitter-sweet balance. Outstanding length. Concludes long, piney, fresh and mildly tongue numbing. Great poise and persistence. Impressive. 53% Alc./Vol.

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• La Fee Parisienne Absinthe (700ml)

  Paris, FRANCE

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 68%

  La Fée Parisian Absinthe is a highly alcoholic, anise-flavoured, distilled liquor containing the herb wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). Green in colour, turning to cloudy, opalescent white when mixed with water, La Fée is based on an authentic 19th century recipe and was developed in a French distillery under the supervision of Madame Delahaye (founder & curator of the Absinthe Museum in France.) La Fee contains a dozen or more plants, including 'Grande' and 'Petite' Absinthe. The botanicals are macerated in alcohol and then distilled in accordance with the most traditional methods. Like true French absinthe it has a dark green colour, rich bouquet, distinctive aniseed flavour and louches (turns cloudy with the addition of water) beautifully. 

  Other reviews... On opening the bottle, the bouquet is much stronger than the wormwood-free substitutes like Herbsaint, it has an almost fruity, woody smell. The color is a vivid devilish green. Louche effect is quite pronounced and yields a nice opalescent green color. The flavor is quite different from Pernod or Absente. It has a black-licorice (anise) flavor to be certain, but not as prominently as some other brands. The wormwood flavor takes on a whole new character. It isn't hardly at all bitter, but there is a very deep woody flavor. It reminds me somewhat of chocolate, but with none of it's sweetness. There are prominent secondary flavors of lemon and mint. 68% Alc./Vol. - - Michael Lake.

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• La Fee Bohemian Absinthe Liqueur (500ml)

  CZECH REPUBLIC

  $89. 99

  Bottle

  $1079.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 70%

  Closure: Cork

  Bohemian Absinth (the 'e' is dropped in the Czech spelling) has been produced since the 1920s, shortly after the ban on absinthe was imposed in France and throughout much of the the world. There are references to Bohemian absinth in Czech literature of the period, and the spirit still exists in the memories of the old locals. In fact, the drink was extremely popular, thriving in the 1940s. Rationing during the Second World War was based on the volume of liquid, rather than the strength of alcohol (similar to the alcohol taxation that contributed to absinthe's initial popularity in France) and it wasn't long before people realized that to multiply the effect of rationing, they could buy absinth and simply water it down. But the green fairy's success in Bohemia was short-lived. After the war the new communist regime commandeered all businesses and by the 1950s official production had ceased. During this time, Bohemian absinth producers ran a covert operation so as to remain undetected by the Communist Government, with absinth being produced illegally to meet demand. However in 1989 the 'Velvet Revolution' (the comparatively bloodless revolution in Czechoslovakia that saw the overthrow of the communists and led to the creation of the separate Czech & Slovak Republics) led to the freeing up of private enterprise, and these days Bohemian Absinth is available worldwide.

  La Fée Bohemian Absinth re-creates the traditional Bohemian drink that was produced in the 1920s, with subtle herbal undertones of fennel, mint and rather less aniseed than that absinthe produced in France at the end of the 19th Century. Bohemian tastes have always meant that less anise is used in the drink's production, and explains why Bohemian Absinth does not turn milky ('louche') when water is added.

  Whereas the heavy aniseed flavour of La Fée Parisian Absinthe is often not suitable for use in cocktails, La Fée Bohemian Absinth has a refined subtlety, whose distinctive flavour is a mixologists dream. In the bars & clubs of Prague, the drink is prepared by burning a small amount of absinth soaked sugar on a spoon, which you then stir into your glass of absinth and douse with water (1-2 parts water to absinth). 70% Alc./Vol. No tasting notes available.

  

   Click here to learn more about Liqueurs.
   Click here for Classic Cocktails.
   Click here to learn more about Absinthe.
  

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• La Fee Parisian Absinthe Liqueur (500ml)

  Paris, FRANCE

  $89. 99

  Bottle

  $1079.88 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 68%

  Closure: Cork

  La Fée Parisian Absinthe is a highly alcoholic, anise-flavoured, distilled liquor containing the herb wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). Green in colour, turning to cloudy, opalescent white when mixed with water, La Fée is based on an authentic 19th century recipe and was developed in a French distillery under the supervision of Madame Delahaye (founder & curator of the Absinthe Museum in France.) La Fee contains a dozen or more plants, including 'Grande' and 'Petite' Absinthe. The botanicals are macerated in alcohol and then distilled in accordance with the most traditional methods. Like true French absinthe it has a dark green colour, rich bouquet, distinctive aniseed flavour and louches (turns cloudy with the addition of water) beautifully.

  Tasting notes:On opening the bottle, the bouquet is much stronger than the wormwood-free substitutes like Herbsaint, it has an almost fruity, woody smell. The color is a vivid devilish green. Louche effect is quite pronounced and yields a nice opalescent green color. The flavor is quite different from Pernod or Absente. It has a black-licorice (anise) flavor to be certain, but not as prominently as some other brands. The wormwood flavor takes on a whole new character. It isn't hardly at all bitter, but there is a very deep woody flavor. It reminds me somewhat of chocolate, but with none of it's sweetness. There are prominent secondary flavors of lemon and mint.' 68% Alc./Vol. - tasting note sourced from Michael Lake.

  

   Click here to learn more about Liqueurs.
   Click here for Classic Cocktails.
   Click here to learn more about Absinthe.
  

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• La Fee Blanche Absinthe (700ml)

  Paris, FRANCE

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 53%

  La Fée Absinthe Blanche Supérieure was first distilled in 2011 in association with the Musée de l’Absinthe, Auvers-sur-Oise, France, and its founder and curator, Marie-Claude Delahaye. It is distilled in copper stills at the Cherry Rocher distillery in the Rhône-Alpes region of south-east France and contains 11 different herbs and spices, including Artemisia absinthium (Grande Wormwood) and Artemisia pontica (Petite Wormwood).

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• • Reduced

  La Maison Fontaine Blanche Absinthe (700ml)

  FRANCE

  Reduced from $165.00

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 56%

  With over two centuries of Absinthe heritage, Pontarlier has been described as the Absinthe Capital of the world. It has been home to more than 20 commercial distilleries, the largest of them the very successful Pernod Fils. On top of that, more than 200 families in the area used to distill their own Absinthe, foraging the local herbs from the foothills of the Jura mountains.

  A present day success story is La Maison Fontaine who also lay claim to operating the world’s oldest absinthe stills. Regarded as an exceptional expression by those “in the know”, their blanche is also reportedly the world’s most awarded, including IWSC Gold & Best in Class. Made using 15 herbs, most notably, the world-renowned Pontarlier-grown Grande Absinthe, which together with green anise and fennel forms the basis of many traditional absinthes, the judges summed it up as “Setting the standard … delightful and invigorating”. Clearly, a must for any enthusiast and one of the top blanches you're ever likely to experience. 56% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews… Awarded the Grand Gold Medal at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in 2016

  ....The absinthe is clear with no sediment or haze. Barest tinge of straw, only detectable against white computer paper. The aroma is wormwood-heavy, with anise beneath. Fruity, round. The louche is a bit on the thin side, but very nice. Pearly with shades of blue. With water the anise comes forward and balances well with the minty wormwood. Some spice. The flavour is sweet, wormwoody. Soft. Nice anise. Earthy with citrus notes. A tad powdery in texture, but not in taste. There's a hint of a medicinal flavour that is well matched with the rest of the package. The finish is fruity and lasting, fading to slight bitterness with fennel peaking through. Leaves a creamy coating on the tongue. This is a fantastic blanche. Nothing really stands out as unique about it but it's immaculately crafted. As a sheer matter of taste I'd like to bring that great wormwood forward even more, but that's just me. Awesome. - wormwoodsociety.org

  4.5 Stars - diffordsguide.com

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• La Pipette Verte Absinthe (700ml)

  FRANCE

  $140. 00

  Bottle

  $1680.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 55%

  Pipette Verte is made at Distillerie des Moisans where their expertise in Cognac is applied to gins and liqueurs. This olive green coloured Ansinthe is produced via an individual maceration of spices and herbs including green anise, fennel, wormwood, coriander, star anise and hyssop. Each maceration is then redistilled, the mixture is macerated a second time to obtain a natural colour, with the addition of lemon balm, hyssop and veronica. Expect notes of anise, licorice, fennel and thyme, followed by flavours of anise, licorice, lemon and dried herbs. 55% Alc./Vol.

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• La Ptite Douce Absinthe (700ml)

  Couvet, SWITZERLAND

  $225. 00

  Bottle

  $2700.00 Dozen

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  ABV: 53%

  Closure: Cork

  Recently, Liqueurs de France had the chance to meet the first Swiss 'lady-distiller' to add a once clandestine absinthe to the commercial world. They were charmed by 'distillatrice' Gaudentia Persoz and her husband Jean-Michel. Rather than being your garden variety '80-year-old Swiss farmer' so often eluded to as the only 'real' type clandestine absinthe distiller, Gaudentia is young, blond and passionate about absinthe. She distils with a vintage 1898, 12-plant recipe that was found, along with a small alambic, when she and her husband purchased their house in Couvet.
  
  Gaudentia now uses the 50-liter alambic, which was hand-made for her by her husband, while the old recipe has been updated and modified to please more modern tastes. Her alambic is heated by direct flame, as opposed to bain-marie, which contributes to its 'clandestine la Bleue' style.
  
  Named La Ptite Absinthe du Val-du-Travers (the 'e' has been left out of the spelling of 'Petite') - which was once one of the 'code-names' that Swiss locals used to be served illegal absinthe without attracting un-due attention from the authorities. 'La Ptite' is a classic, satisfying 'La Bleue style' absinthe, with fresh aromas of wormwood, anise and mint and draws to mind the heady Swiss mountain atmosphere near the Creux-du-Van cliffs where it is produced. Liqueurs de France tasted Gaudentia's absinthe with a very discerning crowd of absintheurs from the USA, England, France and Switzerland and watched the positive reactions to its quality and taste. Liqueurs de France quickly decided to place an order to share this recent discovery and to support the development of a rising star in the absinthe world.  53% Alc./Vol.No tasting notes available.
  - www.absinthesonline.com

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• • 94

  Legendre Herbsaint

  Kentucky, UNITED STATES

  $99. 99

  Bottle

  $1199.88 Dozen

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  ABV: 50%

  Closure: Cork

  Herbsaint first appeared in 1934, the creation of J.M. Legendre of New Orleans, who learned how to make absinthe while in France during World War I. It first went on sale following the repeal of Prohibition and was unique in its category as an absinthe substitute, as opposed to a pastis.

  Although Herbsaint was originally produced under the name "Legendre Absinthe" it never contained wormwood. The alcohol control bureau at the time objected to the use of the word Absinthe so it was changed to Legendre Herbsaint. The Sazerac company bought the J.M. Legendre & Co. on January 1, 1948. The original recipe was used for many years, but was eventually changed in the 1970s, producing the modern Herbsaint available today.

  Tasting note: Striking neon yellow green. Wonderfully lifted aroma includes a fresh fennel / anise top note over heavier scents of fresh liquorice strap. Entry is at first non-descript, building into an intense anise / liquorice burst that's refreshingly clean and dry and with fantastic poise at high strength. Gentle spices continue into the long liquoricey aftertaste. Like a super dry Pastis. 50% Alc./Vol.

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• • Nick's Import

  Les Fils d'Emile Pernot Authentique Absinthe (700ml)

  Pontarlier, FRANCE

  $150. 00

  Bottle

  $1800.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 65%

  Les fils d'Emile Pernot distillery was founded in 1890 and is located in Pontarlier, France, the birthplace of French absinthe. It has been family run from father to son continuously up until 2005. In addition to their recently developed absinthes and their premium pastis, the classic Vieux Pontarlier distilled anise, the distillery produces a large range of local liqueurs and eaux de vie, including Wild Strawberry liqueur; 'Pontiane', a gentiane-root aperitif similar but superior to Suze and 'Un Sapin', a forest-scented pine-bud liqueur.

  Their magnificent century-old copper alembics were specially designed for Absinthe production by the famous firm of Egrot in the early 1900’s. Reputedly the only stills of their kind in operation anywhere in the world, they are considered a key factor in Pernot's ongoing quality.

  This edition, created by Dominique Rousselet, is a classic Pontarlier absinthe with a powerful bouquet of wormwood complementing the anise and fennel perfectly.
  Extremely limited stocks.

  Other reviews... Awarded Gold in the category 'Verte' at the Absinthiades in 2012

  No tasting notes available.

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• • 85

  • Reduced

  Libertine Amer Absinthe (700ml)

  FRANCE

  Reduced from $175.00

  $120. 00

  Bottle

  $1440.00 Dozen

  Sold Out

  ABV: 68%

  One of three absinthes produced at the family-owned Devoille distillery under the 'Libertine' label. The emphasis here is on locally cultivated grand wormwood. Green anise, star anise, liquorice, fennel, coriander, Melissa, hyssop and veronica also make it in the mix. Each ingredient is macerated and distilled individually before blending. This has been described as a polarising, earthy, musky style with distinct wormwood bitterness.

  Tasting note: Deep neon-emerald green. Paprika and tomato salsa on the nose. Odd. Second pass finds hints of cardamom, dill and fennel but the paprika top note remains. Hot and tongue nipping with muted liquorice strap overwhelmed by prickly heat. Evaporates in a non-descript, bitter finish that has lost the plot when it comes to balance, definition and direction. 68% Alc./Vol.

  Other reviews… …this is either love it or hate it. It does not pretend to be a standard verte, I don't think it's labelled "amer" just for its thujone content. When I first tried it, I was pretty disappointed. After some months and many absinthes experienced, this is one of the few absinthes I always want to have home, as its personality is unique. I like it more than the other Amer, Lemercier. I know this absinthe doesn't get much love anywhere, but I think it just boils down to personal preferences: if you like it bitter and intense, if you don't like anise too much, if you want something strong and different, this is definitely worth a try. - www.wormwoodsociety.org

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