Absente is a French anise spirit in the absinthe tradition — a pale-green, anise-forward pour built on a blend of botanicals including southern wormwood (Artemisia abrotanum).
Distilled in the south of France, Absente layers star anise and licorice over light floral and citrus notes, with a touch of bitter herbs underneath for depth. Like classic absinthe it is high-proof and meant to be diluted: poured over a sugar cube through a slotted spoon with iced water, it louches into a cloudy pale green as the anise oils come out of solution.
It works as a traditional absinthe ritual serve, as a rinse or modifier in cocktails like the Sazerac and Corpse Reviver No. 2, and anywhere a bold anise note is wanted. Its character is unmistakable and a little goes a long way.
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Predominant anise with light floral aromas and a hint of citrus.
- Palate: Bold star anise and licorice with bitter herbs and a wormwood backbone.
- Finish: Long, cooling, and herbal with lingering anise.
Specs
- Style: Absinthe / anise spirit
- Origin: France
- Botanicals: Anise and southern wormwood blend
- Size: 750ml
Browse more absinthe at Wooden Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you drink Absente? The traditional absinthe ritual: place a sugar cube on a slotted spoon over the glass and slowly drip iced water over it, roughly three to five parts water to one part Absente. The spirit louches to a cloudy pale green.
- Why does Absente turn cloudy? The anise oils dissolve in alcohol but not water. Adding water brings them out of solution so they scatter light, turning the clear green spirit milky — the louche effect common to anise spirits.
- Does Absente contain wormwood? Yes — it is made with southern wormwood (Artemisia abrotanum) as part of its botanical blend, in line with the absinthe tradition.
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