10 Best Absinthes: Top Choices For The Sensational Green Fairy
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Absinthe is a spirit that has been around for centuries, and many myths surround it. It's also known as the Green Fairy due to its famed hallucinogenic effects.
To help you find the best absinthes out there, we have compiled a list of the 10 best absinthes out there. Read about them below!
Our Top Picks
 
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Best Overall - Pernod Absinthe• Recipe is based on the renowned distillery of Pernod, which is France’s first |
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Best Bargain - Absinthe Ordinaire• Based on absinthe recipes from the age of La Belle Époque Paris |
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Best Sustainable - Golden Moon Redux Absinthe• Buys supplies from local manufacturers and uses eco-friendly packaging |
1. Pernod Absinthe
Pernod Ricard revealed in late 2013 the re-launch of their original Pernod Absinthe, which is based on data from the 1800s. The revised recipe replaced the neutral base with grape spirit to create a fuller body and mouthfeel. Instead of employing dyes, they began coloring the alcohol through the maceration of botanicals such as stinging nettles.
The result is a welcome improvement. With the same botanicals, including Melissa, minty hyssop, and savory fennel, the new formula tastes like a more upscale, polished version of what made the previous version of Pernod a classic. The anise is still almost the same amount, but there is less bitter metallic sting on the aftertaste.
2. Copper & Kings Absinthe Alembic Blanche
This absinthe results from a double distillation of high-quality, aromatic wine in Vendome copper pot stills. There are no added artificial flavors, colors, sugars, or chemicals.
It is made using classic absinthe botanicals like artemisia absinthium, anise, fennel, and a few others that complement the traditional ones. It is non-chill filtered for a pure, unadulterated flavor. The end product has a herbaceous and pastoral aroma. The finish is smooth and mellow.
3. St. George Absinthe Verte
Lance Winters, a master distiller of absinthe in the United States, worked on the best formula for 11 years before the ban on the drink was repealed. Because of this, St. George Absinthe Verte was the first legal American absinthe launched after the US restriction was lifted in 2007. Even today, it remains among the most acclaimed and regarded spirits in this category.
The base spirit is a Chardonnay grape brandy, imparting a solid dried peach scent and somewhat zesty flavor. This is not seen in absinthes prepared with a neutral grain or beet, making it stand out.
Other botanicals like lemon balm, mint, hyssop, meadowsweet, basil, tarragon, and stinging nettles support the trinity of star anise, wormwood, and fennel. The sensual aromas of anise are complemented by sweet grassy tones, white pepper, light citrus, and light menthol notes in this popular liquor.
4. Leopold Brothers Absinthe Verte
In Colorado, Leopold Brothers uses Chilean pisco to serve as the foundation for their Absinthe Verte, released in 2008. According to the distillery, the pisco gives a beautiful floral flavor that works well with the botanical profile.
Hyssop, Melissa, lemon balm, and green anise, which have a distinct apple note, are the botanicals utilized. The end product is muscular, full-bodied absinthe with substantial amounts of anise, fresh spearmint blasts, and undertones of white pepper.
5. La Clandestine Absinthe Supérieure
Distiller Claude-Alain Bugnon began to make the Blanche La Clandestine in Couvet, Switzerland, in 2000, when absinthe production was still illegal. It is based on the 1935 recipe of a famed absinthe maker named Charlotte Vaucher. A commercial version was released once the ban was lifted in 2005.
The Blanche is gentle and light-bodied, modest, and floral, with a neutral grain spirit base and a tranquil mix of star anise, green anise, licorice, peppermint, and lemon balm. Soft woody pine and meadowsweet notes brighten up with mint, giving an overall smooth quality that remains lightly beyond the last sip. This makes this one of the most fresh-tasting among the group.
6. Tenneyson Absinthe Royale
Les Fils d'Emile Pernot, a historic distillery just outside Pontarlier, France, is where Tenneyson's Absinthe Royale is distilled. Thanks to a recipe developed by absinthe specialist David Nathan-Maister and a young entrepreneur from Texas, it's regarded as the gin-absinthe drinker.
In fact, it has several of the same botanicals as gin, including juniper and bitter orange, which leap out of the sugar beet base, which is also flavored with coriander and angelica.
Look no further than this lovely non-traditional absinthe if you're searching for something a little more refreshing than classic absinthe. A splash of tonic water and a piece of orange peel make this drink feel like a delightful pick-me-up.
7. Letherbee Charred Oak Absinthe Brun
Letherbee's absinthe sets apart because it is colored by American oak instead of herbs. Still, there is more to it than that. To differentiate his absinthe from others on the market, owner Brenton Engel sought to create something new.
He used neutral grain spirits, anise seed, juniper berries, and coriander seeds in a six-month aging process in charred oak barrels. The outcome is entirely remarkable.
Letherbee's Brun is an excellent after-dinner drink instead of unaged absinthes, which are ideal as an aperitif. Vanilla and oak from the aging process blend playfully with fennel and absinthe to create an almost creamy and comforting absinthe.
8. Vieux Carré Absinthe Supérieure
Philadelphia Distilling's Vieux Carré Absinthe Superiéure, created in 2008 as an homage to the history of absinthe in New Orleans, is a friendly, minty spirit made from a neutral blend of corn, wheat, and rye and double macerated with two variations of the wormwood plant, green anise, star anise, fennel, génépi, and spearmint.
The scent of abundant herbs, pine needles, and salty saline soften into pleasant, medium-bodied absinthe with a subtle anise character. There is only a slight bitterness, making it an excellent introduction to absinthe for those wary of sharp anise. It's one of the sweetest absinthes in the lineup, with a flavor profile that includes some intriguing earthy elements.
9. Absinthe Ordinaire
Absinthe Ordinaire pays homage to one of the most unique and commercially successful Absinthe recipes from the glamorous age of La Belle Époque Paris. It is produced in rural southern France utilizing only the best distillation techniques and ingredients.
This is created using natural, genuine Absinthe botanicals rather than oils or essences and includes a full measure of the famous botanical Wormwood or Artemisia Absinthium. Other botanicals contributing to Absinthe Ordinaire's distinct and individual taste profile are sweet anise, star anise, sweet Balm, mugwort, and peppermint.
Overall, this is a delicious and high-quality absinthe that is more affordable than most others on this list.
10. Golden Moon Redux Absinthe
Golden Moon Distillery creates premium herbal liquors and liqueurs utilizing the finest herbs, spices, and botanicals, using the same artisan methods as distillers in the mid-to-late 1800s. As a result, this premium absinthe is both a classic traditional Absinthe Verte and original innovation.
They buy supplies from local manufacturers and use eco-friendly packaging. The distillation waste is composted and given to local farmers and gardeners.
It has a rich yellowish-green tint and a slow-forming louche opaque and opalescent. Aromas of alpine herbs, fennel, aniseed, and spice lead to a balanced, savory, buttery taste with a refreshing and long finish.
Conclusion
The best absinthe for you is the one that tastes good. Some people like anise or licorice, while others prefer floral notes in their drinks - whatever your preference may be there are many flavors to choose from!
The choice can be tricky but once it's found then this spirit will deliver what flavor profile fits most comfortably with no problem at all.
The best way to enjoy your absinthe cocktails is with the perfect bar equipment. This includes spoons, glasses and fountains that will make drinking much more enjoyable! You should also be careful about how you use these items so as not waste any alcohol or ruin what could have been another unforgettable experience if done incorrectly.
Which absinthes on the list do you want to mix with your cocktail? We hope this list of the 10 best absinthes we have made has helped you find a new favorite.
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