Absente ’55’ Absinthe

This is a great presentation the box is colourful and interesting and comes complete with an Absinthe spoon so you can perform the Absinthe ritual at home. Absinthe has a notorious history most of which lies in the realms of conspiracy theory when abolitionists and the French wine industry plotted to destroy the reputation of the drink which had become popular amongst artists and poets who were enjoying the Bohemian lifestyle to the full so successful was the campaign that Absinthe was band in many parts of the world from 1915 until it found grace again in 2011 when the ban was lifted and it’s premise proven unjust.

Absente ’55’ is prepared from a part infusion of traditional absinthe herbs, mugwart, anise, wormwood and lemon balm with the addition of lemon and mint.

Tasting notes: The pale green liquid which inspires imagery of the ‘Green Fairy’ wafts the aroma of star anise and spice and a little mint and citrus, the pallet is sweet and flavoursome with plenty of anise and mint and spice which linger long.

Serving suggestion: Absinthe is not a drink designed to be drunk neat, for the very best appreciation of absinthe take a moment to prepare the drink and follow the instructions for the ‘Absinthe Ritual’ take your spoon which has slots cut into it and pop a white sugar cube onto it, then pour ice cold water through the spoon into the glass of absinthe to a measure of two thirds water to absinthe. The water will create a reaction in the absinthe called ‘La Louche’ where the liquid turns a creamy opalescent colour and releases aromas and flavours and turns absinthe into a refreshing and long drink. Absinthe is often used as a rinse in the glass for many cocktails.

Absente ’55’ is made in Provence by Distilleries et Domaines de Provence whom I had the good fortune to visit a couple of years ago and experience first hand the way they make all their products by traditional methods and use ingredients that are gathered from the local area of Forcalquier the capital of flavours and fragrances in the rural heart of Provence.