Note: This review is of batch 21. I had batch 30 before writing reviews and it seemed just slightly better than this batch in about every area.

Color: The color is a natural green. Bright but also very clear. I tend to like the unlouched color a bit darker than this.

Louche: The louche is actually pretty slow on this one. It starts out very thin and gets a bit better if it is let to sit. Still too thin after a swirl even but only by a bit.

Aroma: The aroma is pleasant and carries a bit of heat to it. The heat doesn't override the herb bill and some mint can be detected at higher ratios. Leopold Bros. Verte is not too complex, a straightforward smell.

Flavor: At lower ratios there is mainly a sweet grape base and alcohol. At 4:1 the taste evens out and reveals the basic herbs. This tastes just like it smells; it doesn't seem too complex but not the most simple either. A good taste that doesn't disappoint nor surprise.

Finish: There is a slight mouth warmth and the finish sweetens up a bit. The flavor doesn't linger for too long and is mainly comprised of wormwood and anise.

Overall: This is an excellent absinthe to get your bearings on. There is probably a variation between batches as I remember batch 30 being slightly better in all aspects. A fine absinthe for anyone wanting a simple yet tasty and authentic drink.

I have to say I am somewhat disappointed with Leopold's absinthe. I've been reading a lot of good reviews about batch-by-batch improvements to the product, but as of #14, there is still a long way to go.

The color and louche are fine. The drink begins an attractive olive green and with the addition of water becomes a pleasing yellowish jade. The louche process yields all the expected "oil trails" and visual theatrics.

The flavor and aroma, however, are way out of balance. There is something overwhelmingly leafy or grassy in the scent and taste of this absinthe, which largely obscures whatever might be going on with the anise, wormwood, and so forth. Perhaps with time this will "air out" a bit, and if it does, I will update my review accordingly, but for now, I'm afraid I have to give the Leopold low marks.

The finish is acceptable, but the grassy quality lingers. Overall, I think this absinthe shows promise, but it's very much a work in progress.