Illegal in America for over 100 years, the mythical "Green Fairy" has again taken the United States storm. The century of abstinence has not dampened the mystery behind absinthe and her effects. On the contrary, it has certainly enticed our interest. Absinthe is an alcohol distilled with a list of herbs and botanicals. The "Holy Trinity" of absinthe herbs, as it is called by aficionados of the drink, are anise, fennel and Artemisia absinthium (from which absinthe gets its name). Most absinthe contain other taste enhancing herbs such as Hyssop, Angelica, Coriander and others. The Artemisia absinthium a.k.a. wormwood contains thujone the component believed to cause the "Absinthe Effect". Due to its high alcohol content, absinthe is prepared by mixing with water to create a "louche"
Our absinthe reviews will focus on the most important aspects of buying an absinthe -- taste, aroma and value. Our goal is to teach you how to purchase a quality absinthe at a reasonable price. The absinthe brands we review vary in price from $60 to $110 with everything in between. You will soon that it is not necessary to pay an arm and a leg to get a quality absinthe.
No matter if you are an experienced absintheur or just beginning your exploration of this grandest of liquors, our unbiased review of the best absinthe brands available in the US will surely help pick the best one for you.
Our Number 1 Pick
Jade $110 - Jade absinthe consists of 4 varieties (3 vertes and 1 blanche). The vertes are PF 1901, Edouard, Nouvelle Orleans and Suisse Verte and the blance (clear absinthe) is Combier Blanchette. These are hands down the finest absinthe you can buy if you can find them.
Our Number 2 Pick
Mansinthe $60 Verte
This absinthe is produced under the supervision of shock rocker Marilyn Manson. Many absintheurs with their head in the sand avoid this one due to the reputation of its producer but it is truly a fine absinthe. And at $60 a bottle, you really can't go wrong.
Our Number 3 Pick
Duplais Verte $70
Made at the same distillery as Mansinthe, it is one of the finest Swiss absinthes available. Ultra smooth with a slight bite of wormwood, Duplais is a top pick.
Our Number 4 Pick
Kubler $50 Blanche
This one is a blanche or clear absinthe. The final coloring step is skipped on the blanche (and La Bleue) absinthe. I normally don't drink blanche as they have a totally different taste than veret but this one is truly refresshing and worth the $50 price tag.
Our Number 5 Pick
Vieux Carre $65 Verte
Produced in the US, this absinthe has a unique, almost caramel flavor I found very enjoyable. In the mid-price range, Vieux Carre has carved a niche among the other home growns.
There are certainly other absinthe brands available in the US worthy of mention but these are the top picks. While shopping, you may also want to keep an eye out for:
Delaware Phoenix, La Charlotte, La Clandestine, Obsello, Pacifique,Vieux Pontarlier
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