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Nice and clear, somewhere between golden-yellow and peridot. The louche looks thick and milky -- every drop of water releases a miniature bloom upon breaking the surface of the absinthe.
I didn't appreciate the greatness of the Edouard when I first tried it. It's the most austere of the Jade line, leaving a prickly sensation in your mouth more so than the others. The mouthfeel is fantastic -- I'd almost describe it as "structured" the way one would describe some wines as structured. Similar to the 1901, the flavors of the Edouard are darker-toned, but there's more emphasis on the wormwood here. In hindsight, this is probably my second-favorite of the Jades, right behind the 1901.
What can I say? This is everything a complex, quality, traditional absinthe should be. Hands-down a "5" across the charts for me.
Reviewed with a 2013 bottle.
It's difficult to not compare this to the Jade PF 1901 - but there are great similarities here. While both absinthes are absolute top-tier... I'd probably choose Eddy over PF for it's additional complexity. Very rich and "stoic"... if an absinthe can be said to possess such qualities. Incredible work.
Since there already is a wealth of information about this highly regarded product, I thought it more useful to highlight the distinct qualities of the Edouard in relation to its sister, the PF1901. Thus, a finicky buyer (like me) will hopefully be able to reach a conclusion as to the eternal question of which Jade to buy.
L'Espirit D'Edouard is at once strikingly similar to the PF1901, with the pronounced flavour of the same marc base readily apparent midway through the first sip. The colour is more greenish as opposed to the slightly paler 1901, a perfect hue that is in every way pleasing to the eye. Upon the addition of water, the absinthe louches at a moderate pace until the glass is half full, upon which clouds of opalescent green start to flocculate throughout at a tremendous pace. The result at 1:5 is a slightly verdant-grey and completely translucent.
Edouard hits harder than the 1901 in the palate, with immediate spicy notes battering the tastebuds, and then receding to a alpine cocktail of herbs which is harmoniously balanced with plenty of subtle flavours. The finish is primarily anise, and then traces of wormwood after the tongue dries. For a 72% ABV, the alcohol heat is almost unnoticeable, once again speaking volumes about the superior quality of the product. Unfortunately, I recall that the aftertaste does not linger for more than ten minutes, so in this regard the 1901 will probably be the more satisfying.
The final verdict is that the 1901 is probably more suitable as a summer digestif: floral, incredibly balanced and refreshing when taken very cold. Edouard will fare better, as I suspect, in the wintry months, with its potent herbacious and spicy notes perking the taster up. It must be reiterated that both of them are very close in their similarities (as opposed to other marques) and few individuals, other than the most discerning of absintheurs, will find that the slight difference warrants heavy consideration.
A good absinthe, with solid 4s in all categories, except the louche, where in typical Jade fashion is amazing. The downside to us was that it wasn't great in aroma or flavor, which at this price-point was a bit of a letdown for me. There is a loud bitter note in the flavor, that just doesn't sit right.
Edit: Bumped finish to 5, it is really extra ordinary.
Color: This is a very nice green. It is bright but not light, solid but not opaque, and in fact very clear. It is definitely a natural color and is full. This is a strong verte hue that is still bright and clear. Magnificent.
Louche: The louche is slow to start but has lots of oil trails. A nice gradient performs with the clouds starting at the bottom of the glass. The louche ends with a nice thickness and depth. Tints of the original color are left if you look hard enough in the right light.
Aroma: This is a very distinct aroma. It is definitely spicy and still very herbal, which is just my type. Fennel, anise, and wormwood are up front with other spices in the background, including something nutmeg-ish. Higher dilution displays more wormwood, lower dilutions have more anise. Even at higher ratios there is some alcohol heat detected in the smell.
Flavor: Unbelievable! This is a complex gem of a drink. It tastes like it smells with spicy notes puncturing just before the rising bitter-sweet blanket of the main herbal mixture. And yet it is smooth with an almost almond flavor and texture. Every part of the tongue can enjoy this drink. A bit higher ratio is preferred even by me not only due to the high proof but also to allow more of the drink to breathe and come to life. Usually I like my absinthe stronger but the flavor is so rich I don't have to let it be that way and I can get the benefit of a higher ratio while still getting strong flavor.
Finish: The finish lingers around for a good bit of time with the fennel showcasing itself mostly at this stage along with a rising sweet tone. The finish numbs the mouth a bit but doesn't force itself at all. Smooth and delightful.
Overall: This is an amazing drink. It is complex and definitely one to savor. It plays on just about every part of the tongue and is rich with subtle flavors to taste with each sip. Very well done!