About Absinthe

About Absinthe
Absinthe is a distilled beverage made from a number of seeds and herbs, especially that of the wormwood plant. It is high in alcohol (between 45%-74%) and has, in literature, been referred to as a hallucinatory beverage, known as "the green fairy."

In reality, absinthe is a anise-flavored spirit that can contain ingredients such as fennel or aniseed. While there are many different styles of anise-based spirits throughout the world, such as Ouzo from Greece or Sambuca from Italy, absinthe is generally higher in alcohol.

Absinthe is diluted with water to make it palatable, given is high alcohol and bitter qualities. For some time, it was banned in France, as a neurotoxin in wormwood caused drinkers to become ill. Today, however, improved distillation methods have created a more tame absinthe and the spirit has regained much of its popularity, as well as its mysterious legend.

Top Picks for Absinthe

Absinthia Absinthe Superieure Verte
95 points
$45
A new school take on Absinthe that is some of what you expect, yet pleasantly surprises with notes of seeds and grains plus a bit of peppery baking spices mixed in to highlight the anise; a true delight.
Awards: 2023 Best Absinthe
Grande Absente Absinthe Originale
94 points
$69
Holds the ABV very well and perfectly executes the flavor profile; a benchmark Absinthe for the back bar.
Grande Absente Absinthe Originale
93 points
$69
A classic Absinthe flavor profile that will be great in cocktails or as a digestif with ice.
Absente Absinthe
91 points
$49
Anise dominant and a touch sweet but super classic and exactly the standard for Absinthe.
Absinthia Absinthe Supérieure Barrel-Aged Absinthe
90 points
$54
An Absinthe with a fascinating vanilla mint and cocoa note to the anise and herbs.