Absente Absinthe Refined is a French absinthe distilled in Provence in the South of France and bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV), presented here in its Van Gogh gift box.
Absente holds the distinction of being the first legal absinthe recipe available in the United States since 1912. Produced by Distilleries et Domaines de Provence using artisanal distillation methods, it is a modern interpretation of the legendary Green Fairy, crafted with wormwood, anise and other traditional botanicals.
The nose brings anise, fresh herbs and a hint of floral wormwood. The palate is smooth and herbal, with anise at the forefront balanced by mint and subtle bitterness, over light floral and citrus notes. It earned 92 points from Tastings.com in 2023.
Like classic absinthe, it is high proof and meant to be diluted: poured over a sugar cube on a slotted spoon with iced water, it louches into a cloudy pale green as the anise oils come out of solution.
The absinthe ritual has been part of café culture in France since the nineteenth century, when artists and writers gathered over glasses of the Green Fairy.
The Van Gogh gift box nods to that era and makes the bottle a ready-made present.
Start with about one part absinthe to three to five parts cold water, adjusting to taste.
A little absinthe goes a long way in cocktails, adding an herbal, anise-scented lift.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Anise, fresh herbs, floral wormwood.
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Palate: Anise, mint and subtle bitterness.
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Finish: Clean and herbal.
Specifications
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Producer: Distilleries et Domaines de Provence
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Style: Absinthe
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Botanicals: Wormwood, anise and traditional herbs
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Proof / ABV: 110 proof (55% ABV)
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Region: Provence, France
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it the classic way with a sugar cube, slotted spoon and ice-cold water, or add a rinse to a Sazerac or a dash to a Corpse Reviver No. 2. It pairs with oysters, goat cheese or dark chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal in the US?
Yes, it was the first legal absinthe recipe in the US since 1912.
How do I serve it?
Over a sugar cube with iced water, which turns it cloudy.
What does it taste like?
Anise, herbs, mint and subtle bitterness.
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