Grande Absente 138 proof
During the heady days of late 19th century Paris, Absinthe was the trademark drink of artists like Baudelaire, Degas, Manet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Oscar Wilde. To recall the glorious times, Grande Absente Absinthe Originale is one of the oldest traditional Absinthe recipes from the South of France. Hand crafted in Provence like it was from 1860-1912, Grande Absente is made exclusively with the highest quality spirits and select botanicals from the region, including the legendary botanical Wormwood, also known as Artemisia Absinthium.
Nicely balanced and reasonably complex. A nicely balanced aroma of wormwood, mint, anise, lemon balm, among other things. This has a high proof and the alcohol presence makes itself known in the bouquet – but not in the overwhelming way which one would expect. While the alcohol does express its presence it is not overwhelming but does warn you this is serious stuff.
Taste: Rather complex and multifaceted- especially compared to some we have been trying lately. Interesting bitter (wormwood and gentian), with the mint, balm, anise and sugar with star both in front and on its heel coating your tongue. The anise is more pronounced in this absinthe than some of the other recent imports along with the wormwood and alcohol. Very pastis-like ending with a pleasantly semi bitter finish and some anise coating.