Appearance: So close to perfect. There is the slightest, and I mean tiniest, amount of hue. The only other visible imperfections are from the glass. Water isn't this clear.

Louche: Again, this is the “almost perfect” that is wonderful and yet so painful. The louche is slightly hued and nuanced like a jewel. It just happens to be a bit on the thick side as well.

Aroma: Wormwood forward with a strong backing from the other two in the trinity. Very mild notes of citrus and spice add complexity to the otherwise floral background. Smells absolutely wonderful. Not weak at all like many blanches, very, very, promising.

Flavor: Wormwood forward with a honey like anise sweetness. The wormwood dominates just a tad too much while some floral tones and some surprising apple flavors dance around a bit. Very mellow but not in a weak way. Subtle, nuanced, elegant, and yet still has some character. Like drinking a glass of Ava Gardner.

Finish: A lovely anise comes forward to sweeten and soften the finish. The flavors play around with a floral fade leading to the apple tone changing to pear. It's like a magic trick or something! Absolutely lovely.

Overall: This blanche is so close to perfect that it makes every little, tiny, imperfection just that much more aggravating. Granted in a non-critical setting this would be absolutely wonderful and elegant. It's balanced, and not simple or weak like many blanches. The flavors aren't yelling at you, but they aren't shy either. As far as wormwood forward absinthes go, this is the least "aggressive" one I've had yet.

Enjoyed at 3:1 and 3.5:1 with 1 sugar, and I do mean enjoyed.

Color: is crystal clear with no trace of sediment.

Louche: Wonderful to watch, just the right speed in developing. Nice distinct trails giving way to puffy smoky clouds. White, copper and flashes of mild blues. Clear defined layers right to the end. Opalescent and lovely.

Aroma: A soft, round wormwood and promising anise with floral, sweet and spicy edges. As the louche formed, it opened and filled the room. This aroma promised a quality in taste.

Flavor: Simply delicious. First is a perfectly presented anise that does not overwhelm at all. It is tempered and supported by delicious wormwood and fennel, creating a perfect balance. Refreshing and quality all the way. Citrus, spice and a hint of mint are present, along with other tasty herbals and florals. There is a lot going on in this one.

Finish: The finish follows the flavor. A gentle, enjoyable build, tingling at your tongue as the flavors open layer upon layer. Smooth and enjoyable mouthfeel. The powdery, spicy linger gives way to a mild citrus tang at the back and edges of the mouth. Wonderful.

Overall: This is very well-made blanche. If you don't like blanches, this will likely open your mind.

Color: Perfectly clear

Louche: Correct and attractive. Rather quick. Cloudy grey white

Aroma: Anise, pepper and pine. Deep, dark and earthy with some bubble-gum and green pepper brightness. Green herbs. Smells more herbal than most blanches

Flavor: Mouthful of herbs. Black tea, herbal anise, black pepper, pine needles, tangy and sweet. Very pleasant bitterness, present but not sharp. The aroma and flavor of this absinthe is amazing

Finish: Piney bitterness, than sharp and peppery. Medicinal. Lingers a long time. Dry

Overall: A typical blanche is usually bright and crisp and anise forward. This one is more masculine and wormwood forward. The herbs are used very well to give a rich flavor and aroma. An excellent blanche!

Colour: clear, no sediment, no flaws. I thought it would be more in the semi translucent blanche direction

louche: 1:1 opaque, badiane-influenced louche, too quick

aroma: Nicy, fruity wormwood, some melissa, angelica, a bit pungent but in a good sense

flavour: Very pleasant, slightly pine-y. The finish is very evident.

I really like the finish: wormwood, hyssop, there is a chamomile known from Helfrich, very balanced, very fruity and bold. Best at 1:2.5. 1:3 washes some of the initial aromas.

A good attempt at a blanche. I had higher expectations, but still a real deal blanche, not la bleue, despite the quickie louche.

What I can say more? The direction is really right, but still there is a helluva of work dedicated to bringing wormwood IN

Color before adding water is as perfect clear; the aroma prior to loucheing has a strong woody tone characteristic of wormwood. After adding the water the other fragrances come out but the wormwood still dominates the aroma. The flavor is more balanced than the aroma, having the anise fennel and wormwood work together in a magnificent symphony of deliciousness. There is a pleasant level of sweetness to the drink with the faintest notes of citrus.