Colour is proper, could be darker, but as long as the New Master Distiller takes over the production, we cannot expect much.

Louche is gradual and slow and very attractive.

Aroma attacks with a persistent, harsh mint, it is not that pleasant as it should be-maybe the mint of dubious quality or even of wrong species, yet the aroma is saved with a discrete wormwood

Flavour is organized as the mixture of spiciness and crispiness, what is relatively palatable. The finish is anisy, with wormwood in the middle. The main flaw is that absinthe is unbalanced despite the rumours of its long "aging" or whatever.

There are things that catch our attention positively, yet there is no artistry or skill in it. And ad hoc.

Better than Vieux Pontarlier or Roquette, still needs some work in the obvious departments. Diminishing of the mint would be required, it gets sticky on the tongue for too long.

*Edited: I now, a year later, feel sugar is simply not needed with this. Also, the louche in the last couple bottles seems to form more easily than my first bottle. My notes in the louch section reflect the change.

I was Doubious (sic) when I saw the screw cap, and a bit sad when I saw how small the bottle was, then realized it was 500 ml, and only LOOKED smaller. Enjoyed at 4:1 with no sugar.

Color: Lovely bright sparkling light green peridot with a touch of yellow. Really pretty.

Louche: Formed slowly and evenly with nice trails and clouds with a clear layer above. The final color was wonderful, and had an opalescence I enjoyed. In my first two bottles from a year or so ago, I found the louche needed a little extra work to coax into fullness. Very, very cold ice water, and a slow drip was needed for the louche to be at its best. My last two bottles however, had a louche that formed more easily, at a steady slow wispy build, ending in a perfect opalescent glow.

Aroma: Very inviting. I knew I'd taste wormwood from the aroma, and the anise was clear and inviting as well.

Flavor: With my first sip, I thought of a beefed up Vieux Pontarlier; with more flowers and herbals. It really had the same maker's hand in it... Classic with a twist. Wormwood was right there, fennel and anise supported it it perfectly. Hyssop, coriander and perhaps a touch of melissa made themselves known. Very tasty.

Finish: Wonderful as well. It builds, pulls at you, the slowly fades leaving a linger of spice and herbs that demands you keep sipping. Just the right tingle.

the Color is right where I like it; a fresh chloryphyll peridot. 5.



the Louche has been called temperamental and I would concur but Slow and Cold are the operative words here. It seemingly cannot be rushed so don't even try. When you do get there it's a fun light green; surprising for how light the color is neat. 4.



the Aroma is interesting without being too right up in your nose--I guess that means subtle--but opening up in a considerably floral vein with water. 4.



the Flavor is nicely melded and heavy on the Wormwood, all to my liking. Smooth without being simple. Because of the options given I give it a 4 but really more like 4.5.



the Finish is long lasting, spicy/floral; a long steady fadeout. 4 but really 4.5 again.



Overall, I really like this stuff; it's great for virtually anytime. If you like a spicier, not-so-creamy in the mouth type Absinthe then this is for you. Another 4 that is really a 4.5.



Absomphe's comparison to dry-hopping is appropos. Definitely not the sweet candy-tasting product some vertes can be. Ths stuff is smooth, like a ride in a really fast train that runs on a cushion of air or reverse magnetism. Enjoy the ride.

The color is a natural greenish hue. Very clear.



I used a brouille; the louche developed quickly and completely; I concur with Shabba it did leave a layer until about 2.5:1 or 3:1 (I am not very good at "eyeballing" measurements)



Very aromatic - though my initial reaction wasn't "alpine meadow" or "forest glade", but more "original formula Nyquil". I offered my house guest a whiff to see what he thought and without missing a beat he said "smells like cough medicine". After louching though the "medicinal" smell fades and leaves a clean, herbal aroma.



I am an absinthe newbie. This is my first experience, and I am pleased with it. I do say its strong, two glasses of it and my Heure Verte turned into nap time. I tried it both with and without sugar and my personal tastes run to "with", either way it does go down easy and is a great sipper drink. If any other novice were to ask, I would have no compunction recommending Mystique.