L'Artisanale - Reviewed by Experts and Consumers at The Wormwood Society
Product Details
Available in USA?
Style/Color
Year of Make (if known)
Country of Origin
Distillery
Editor reviews
L'ate To The Party
(Updated: June 24, 2012)
Overall rating
4.5
Appearance
4.0
Louche
4.0
Aroma
5.0
Flavor / Mouthfeel
5.0
Finish
5.0
Overall
4.0
Appearance
Unlouched, a light medium peridot with just the slightest, slightest hint of olive. Crystal clear and clean. Louched, very good green retention with amber, golden, and bluish accents. Very pretty.
Louche
A very well formed louche with some translucence. Nice sheen. About as close to opaque as I would like to see. Overall a golden jade color with pretty subtle opalescence.
Aroma
A really inviting aroma neat. Lovely anise, fennel, and herbs, especially the hyssop. Louched, wow. All the classic stuff in impeccable balance. Fresh, clean, not tired a bit. It just has it all. Slight mint and powder, especially as it warms. I love it at 5:1, however at 5.5:1 the flowers just go nuts. The powder, mint, and confectionery elements combine to serve as the icing on the cake. As it really warms the pontica pontificates.
Flavor
Smooth, round, silky entry, the trinity announcing it's arrival first. Just as the nose, every major element deftly balanced. Minty and floral underpinnings with a slight bloom of spice. Every once in a while a slight grace note of lemon. A very clean base. 5:1 to 5.5:1 show it best, in my opinion, but it is very nice at lower dilutions if you don't mind some slight heat. This is really one of the best Pontarlier profiles I have tried.
Finish
A very balanced fade of all the palate impressions with a slow bloom of spice. The coriander and wormwood holding hands, cheered on by the balance of the trinity. A slight powdery drying, and just a slight pull on the entire palate (tongue, roof, gums, everything). This is where I think the higher dilutions serve well, less drying, more refreshing. And length? It just goes on and on.
Overall
Lovely. Classic. Need I say more?
But I will. It's easy to see why this wowed in it's day. It wows me now. And considering all the fine offerings that have been released since this was made, that is quite something. This could serve as the Pontarlier prototype. I wouldn't change a thing and I wish I had more.
I can still remember seeing this available when I first started drinking absinthe. Being so new to it, I didn't know the details and, of course, couldn't buy everything. But they say, "Better late than never". So all my appreciation to LdF for that 2011 release of a few bottles, and them finally getting me to the party.
Done with .75 and 1 ounce doses, diluted 4:1, 4.5:1, 5:1, 5.5:1 and no sugar.
L'Artisanale 7/10/11, 10/15/11, 11/13/11, 2/05/12
All evaluations had consistent notes.
Unlouched, a light medium peridot with just the slightest, slightest hint of olive. Crystal clear and clean. Louched, very good green retention with amber, golden, and bluish accents. Very pretty.
Louche
A very well formed louche with some translucence. Nice sheen. About as close to opaque as I would like to see. Overall a golden jade color with pretty subtle opalescence.
Aroma
A really inviting aroma neat. Lovely anise, fennel, and herbs, especially the hyssop. Louched, wow. All the classic stuff in impeccable balance. Fresh, clean, not tired a bit. It just has it all. Slight mint and powder, especially as it warms. I love it at 5:1, however at 5.5:1 the flowers just go nuts. The powder, mint, and confectionery elements combine to serve as the icing on the cake. As it really warms the pontica pontificates.
Flavor
Smooth, round, silky entry, the trinity announcing it's arrival first. Just as the nose, every major element deftly balanced. Minty and floral underpinnings with a slight bloom of spice. Every once in a while a slight grace note of lemon. A very clean base. 5:1 to 5.5:1 show it best, in my opinion, but it is very nice at lower dilutions if you don't mind some slight heat. This is really one of the best Pontarlier profiles I have tried.
Finish
A very balanced fade of all the palate impressions with a slow bloom of spice. The coriander and wormwood holding hands, cheered on by the balance of the trinity. A slight powdery drying, and just a slight pull on the entire palate (tongue, roof, gums, everything). This is where I think the higher dilutions serve well, less drying, more refreshing. And length? It just goes on and on.
Overall
Lovely. Classic. Need I say more?
But I will. It's easy to see why this wowed in it's day. It wows me now. And considering all the fine offerings that have been released since this was made, that is quite something. This could serve as the Pontarlier prototype. I wouldn't change a thing and I wish I had more.
I can still remember seeing this available when I first started drinking absinthe. Being so new to it, I didn't know the details and, of course, couldn't buy everything. But they say, "Better late than never". So all my appreciation to LdF for that 2011 release of a few bottles, and them finally getting me to the party.
Done with .75 and 1 ounce doses, diluted 4:1, 4.5:1, 5:1, 5.5:1 and no sugar.
L'Artisanale 7/10/11, 10/15/11, 11/13/11, 2/05/12
All evaluations had consistent notes.
M
Great absinthe.
Overall rating
4.5
Appearance
4.0
Louche
5.0
Aroma
5.0
Flavor / Mouthfeel
5.0
Finish
4.0
Overall
4.0
The colour is a clear, natural olive, as my sample is a bit aged now. The louche is wonderful and full of character. It builds slowly from the bottom, rolling back and forth beneath a clear line that doesn't disappear until after it's become razor thin. The aroma is a gutpunch of big, minty, beautiful wormwood. Anise provides a luscious sweetness but plays second fiddle. That excellent wormwood is definitely on display in the flavour, with great quality anise and fennel floating throughout. Great complexity, yet it's all kind of blurred. Beyond the trinity it's difficult to discern individual herbs since everything is so cohesive. There's a bit of tasty pontica flavour but it's hard to pinpoint much else. This absinthe is quite mouth-coating but then becomes a bit too numbing. The finish is long and fruity, with lingering characteristics of the different herbs frequently usurping each other. I wish I had more of this absinthe.
A
Wish this one was commercially available again
(Updated: May 13, 2009)
Overall rating
4.4
Appearance
4.0
Louche
4.0
Aroma
5.0
Flavor / Mouthfeel
5.0
Finish
4.0
Overall
4.0
This is probably one of my favorite commercially made absinthes. It's evident from the moment the bottle is opened, all the way to the last drop that this product was made with only the best ingredients and a loving hand.
The color wasn't astounding, but was a very nice light green.
Louching starts slow and builds milky thick. Lots of wondrous oil trails leave you wanting to watch all day. But then you remember...it's there to be drank!
The aroma reminds me of an alpine valley. Very complex, fresh, and crisp. Minty with the sweetness of the anise and hints of fennel in the background. So clean, it's tough not to rush the first taste.
Speaking of taste, lots and lots of stuff going on here. Lots of depth and complexity. Wormwood, anise and fennel all fight a glorious battle to get the most attention, but it all works so well. The only reason this didn't get a 5 for both flavor and finish is because it did have a bit of a burn, but I'm assuming that's due to the lack of aging when I first rated this. By this point, it probably has mellowed considerably.
Overall, if this absinthe was commercially available, I'd be hard pressed to buy anything else.
The color wasn't astounding, but was a very nice light green.
Louching starts slow and builds milky thick. Lots of wondrous oil trails leave you wanting to watch all day. But then you remember...it's there to be drank!
The aroma reminds me of an alpine valley. Very complex, fresh, and crisp. Minty with the sweetness of the anise and hints of fennel in the background. So clean, it's tough not to rush the first taste.
Speaking of taste, lots and lots of stuff going on here. Lots of depth and complexity. Wormwood, anise and fennel all fight a glorious battle to get the most attention, but it all works so well. The only reason this didn't get a 5 for both flavor and finish is because it did have a bit of a burn, but I'm assuming that's due to the lack of aging when I first rated this. By this point, it probably has mellowed considerably.
Overall, if this absinthe was commercially available, I'd be hard pressed to buy anything else.
User reviews
10 reviews
Overall rating
4.4
Appearance
3.7(10)
Louche
4.3(10)
Aroma
4.4(10)
Flavor / Mouthfeel
4.7(10)
Finish
4.4(10)
Overall
4.5(10)
Schweetly Herbaceous
(Updated: August 09, 2012)
Overall rating
4.7
Appearance
4.0
Louche
5.0
Aroma
5.0
Flavor / Mouthfeel
5.0
Finish
4.0
Overall
5.0
-Color-
Before Water: Pale amber.
After Water: Creamy straw with light green tint.
-Louche-
The impressive louche was repeatable with different methods (slow pour vs. brouilleur); nice bouncing tendrils and well defined, rolling fog bank.
-Aroma-
Before Water: Aroma is VERY floral with alcohol heat.
After Water: L'Art has one my favorite absinthe aromas of all time. Wonderfully, sweetly floral wormwood that's smoother than it is brisk; fruity; full, yet clean and refreshing.
-Flavor-
The great things in the aroma are reflected well in the flavor. Sweetly floral wormwood upfront with fruity herbaceousness and softly creamy support from anise and/or fennel section, followed by some mintyness as we move to the finish. I can't tell for sure but I suspect a subtle grape base contributes the great flavor profile. I'm amazed at how sweet and full this tastes without being cloying in the least.
-Finish-
Here we start to get a bit more brisk zing from the wormwood as the sweetness fades cleanly with a pinch of alcohol heat and perhaps a specter of spice.
-Overall-
Could be a 4 or a 5; It's at least as good as the best COs that I've tried and is only eclipsed by some pre-ban I've sampled. Some folks may look for more complexity, contrast or depth, but for me the uniquely refreshing flavor really transports me; it's almost like some kind of anti-candy. Too bad it's no longer for sale, but I'm grateful for the chance to try it.
Before Water: Pale amber.
After Water: Creamy straw with light green tint.
-Louche-
The impressive louche was repeatable with different methods (slow pour vs. brouilleur); nice bouncing tendrils and well defined, rolling fog bank.
-Aroma-
Before Water: Aroma is VERY floral with alcohol heat.
After Water: L'Art has one my favorite absinthe aromas of all time. Wonderfully, sweetly floral wormwood that's smoother than it is brisk; fruity; full, yet clean and refreshing.
-Flavor-
The great things in the aroma are reflected well in the flavor. Sweetly floral wormwood upfront with fruity herbaceousness and softly creamy support from anise and/or fennel section, followed by some mintyness as we move to the finish. I can't tell for sure but I suspect a subtle grape base contributes the great flavor profile. I'm amazed at how sweet and full this tastes without being cloying in the least.
-Finish-
Here we start to get a bit more brisk zing from the wormwood as the sweetness fades cleanly with a pinch of alcohol heat and perhaps a specter of spice.
-Overall-
Could be a 4 or a 5; It's at least as good as the best COs that I've tried and is only eclipsed by some pre-ban I've sampled. Some folks may look for more complexity, contrast or depth, but for me the uniquely refreshing flavor really transports me; it's almost like some kind of anti-candy. Too bad it's no longer for sale, but I'm grateful for the chance to try it.
G
Raising the Bar...
Overall rating
4.4
Appearance
4.0
Louche
4.0
Aroma
5.0
Flavor / Mouthfeel
5.0
Finish
4.0
Overall
4.0
COLOR: Rather pale yellow-green. Natural with good clarity.
LOUCHE: Oil trails turn rather suddenly to faintly green-hued opalescence. What I would consider to be medium-thickness at a 3:1 dilution ratio.
AROMA: Quite minty at first, followed by more delicate herbal tones. Very clean, almost mouth-watering.
FLAVOR: Fresh tasting mintiness with just enough anise/fennel to round out the wormwood. Not bitter, but a bit spicy in a very tasty way. I added no sugar.
FINISH: Smooth and mildly dry with a little numbing. Lingers pleasantly, making you want another sip. And another after that.
OVERALL: A very nice drink, one of the best I've tried to this point. Obviously crafted with high quality ingredients. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to sample this delicious absinthe!
LOUCHE: Oil trails turn rather suddenly to faintly green-hued opalescence. What I would consider to be medium-thickness at a 3:1 dilution ratio.
AROMA: Quite minty at first, followed by more delicate herbal tones. Very clean, almost mouth-watering.
FLAVOR: Fresh tasting mintiness with just enough anise/fennel to round out the wormwood. Not bitter, but a bit spicy in a very tasty way. I added no sugar.
FINISH: Smooth and mildly dry with a little numbing. Lingers pleasantly, making you want another sip. And another after that.
OVERALL: A very nice drink, one of the best I've tried to this point. Obviously crafted with high quality ingredients. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to sample this delicious absinthe!
C
Excellent, really really excellent.
Overall rating
4.0
Appearance
4.0
Louche
3.0
Aroma
4.0
Flavor / Mouthfeel
5.0
Finish
4.0
Overall
4.0
I prepared this glass of absinthe at 3:1, without sugar.
The appearance out of the bottle was a light green color, very nice.
The louche on this absinthe builds slowly and steadily. It's a little bit thinner than I would like.
The aroma is very wormwood dominant along with some other absinthe herbs.
The flavor is perfect. I love the flavor on this absinthe. The wormwood is strong but not too much. It isn't astringent or bitter. The sweetness of the anise and fennel compliment this absinthe very nicely. I wish more brands had this level of wormwood flavor.
The finish lasts for quite a while and leaves a pleasant vegetal flavor.
The appearance out of the bottle was a light green color, very nice.
The louche on this absinthe builds slowly and steadily. It's a little bit thinner than I would like.
The aroma is very wormwood dominant along with some other absinthe herbs.
The flavor is perfect. I love the flavor on this absinthe. The wormwood is strong but not too much. It isn't astringent or bitter. The sweetness of the anise and fennel compliment this absinthe very nicely. I wish more brands had this level of wormwood flavor.
The finish lasts for quite a while and leaves a pleasant vegetal flavor.
B
very nice.
Overall rating
4.0
Appearance
4.0
Louche
4.0
Aroma
4.0
Flavor / Mouthfeel
4.0
Finish
4.0
Overall
4.0
Color is a bit light; pale with a hint of green but mostly dead leaf. Well within the legitimate range but I prefer a bit brighter hue. I give it a 4.
Louche forms (mostly) from the bottom.Well on the way to opacity at 1:1. The thin line at the top finally disappears around 1:5 or so. Thick but not completely opaque. Another 4.
Aroma--Before watering, pretty alcoholic and minty. A bit rough. After adding water it opens up a bit. Very prominent minty wormwood is evident; other factors are present but pretty seamlessly blended to this nose. I chalk this up to 5 years of aging. Exhaling after drinking yields a very nice wormwood flavor. 4.
The flavor is wormwoody as all get-out with a very minty subtext. This is what a wormwood-heavy absinthe is trying to be. Anise and fennel are clearly present, but by no means dominant. There is a bit of burny alcoholic heat. The origin of the base alcohol(grape, grain, whatever) is not evident. Dry and a bit tingly on the tongue. Marked as a 4, but if this thing would let me enter 4.5 that would be more to my liking.
The finish is long, lingering, and pleasant.The tongue tingles with a blunt dryness that somehow works. Not particularly layered, but a nice long smooth fade out to a peppery dry warm tongue. Again, I attribute this to aging. Also, I'd give it a 4.5 if I could.
Overall, an intriguing product. If I had discovered this when I first started drinking absinthe in earnest--back when Doubs Mystique was a frontrunner on my favorites list-- I would have been all over this one. Nowadays my tastes are a bit different(for the most part) but as I grow more knowledgeable about absinthe I am struck by the skill evident in this product and its unique flavour. Not having tasted it when it was fresh I cannot say for certain how well it has aged but it has clearly aged well. An easy 4 across the board.
Louche forms (mostly) from the bottom.Well on the way to opacity at 1:1. The thin line at the top finally disappears around 1:5 or so. Thick but not completely opaque. Another 4.
Aroma--Before watering, pretty alcoholic and minty. A bit rough. After adding water it opens up a bit. Very prominent minty wormwood is evident; other factors are present but pretty seamlessly blended to this nose. I chalk this up to 5 years of aging. Exhaling after drinking yields a very nice wormwood flavor. 4.
The flavor is wormwoody as all get-out with a very minty subtext. This is what a wormwood-heavy absinthe is trying to be. Anise and fennel are clearly present, but by no means dominant. There is a bit of burny alcoholic heat. The origin of the base alcohol(grape, grain, whatever) is not evident. Dry and a bit tingly on the tongue. Marked as a 4, but if this thing would let me enter 4.5 that would be more to my liking.
The finish is long, lingering, and pleasant.The tongue tingles with a blunt dryness that somehow works. Not particularly layered, but a nice long smooth fade out to a peppery dry warm tongue. Again, I attribute this to aging. Also, I'd give it a 4.5 if I could.
Overall, an intriguing product. If I had discovered this when I first started drinking absinthe in earnest--back when Doubs Mystique was a frontrunner on my favorites list-- I would have been all over this one. Nowadays my tastes are a bit different(for the most part) but as I grow more knowledgeable about absinthe I am struck by the skill evident in this product and its unique flavour. Not having tasted it when it was fresh I cannot say for certain how well it has aged but it has clearly aged well. An easy 4 across the board.
B
Quite tasty.
Overall rating
3.9
Appearance
3.0
Louche
4.0
Aroma
4.0
Flavor / Mouthfeel
4.0
Finish
5.0
Overall
4.0
Color: A light straw yellow.
Louche: Starts slowly but begins to cloud nicely with some good layering. Nice and thick, with a pale butter color.
Aroma: Very anise heavy while neat, but when louched it blossoms into a very pleasant mix of wormwood and fennel, with something leafy green and dusty scented.
Flavor: Very tart wormwood up front that's quite tasty, and a slight chalky sweetness.
Finish: A smooth and nice finish that's very crisp with a long sour feel paired with a melissa flavor.
Overall: I really enjoyed the wormwood flavor along with the "tangy" feel and texture.
Louche: Starts slowly but begins to cloud nicely with some good layering. Nice and thick, with a pale butter color.
Aroma: Very anise heavy while neat, but when louched it blossoms into a very pleasant mix of wormwood and fennel, with something leafy green and dusty scented.
Flavor: Very tart wormwood up front that's quite tasty, and a slight chalky sweetness.
Finish: A smooth and nice finish that's very crisp with a long sour feel paired with a melissa flavor.
Overall: I really enjoyed the wormwood flavor along with the "tangy" feel and texture.
A