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.