What Is The Best Absinthe? Experts Recommend These 7 Brands Most -

Absinthe, often regarded as a mysterious and enchanting spirit, has captivated the hearts of connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike with its unique flavor profile and storied history. The best absinthe brands, while diverse in their offerings, share a common mystique.

The allure of these top absinthe brands lies in their meticulous attention to detail. From carefully selecting botanicals to the precise distillation processes, each step is a labor of love and expertise. It’s the complex, layered taste, coupled with that oh-so-woozy feeling, that sets absinthe apart from other liquors.

Often called the “Green Fairy,” absinthe has captivated and mystified for centuries. Its enigmatic history and unique flavor profile have earned it a place among the most intriguing and sought-after spirits. But what goes into crafting this emerald elixir? Let’s embark on a journey to discover the magic behind the best absinthe and the traditional methods used to bring it to life.

How absinthe is made:

The heart and soul of absinthe are three key botanicals:

Anise: This aromatic seed lends a sweet, licorice-like flavor that defines the spirit’s character.
Fennel: Adding a subtle warmth and anise-like notes, fennel provides a supporting base to the complex flavor profile.
Wormwood: This herb contributes a bitter edge and a touch of herbal complexity, essential for achieving the authentic absinthe taste.

The art of crafting absinthe involves a meticulous process, often passed down through generations. Here’s a glimpse into the traditional methods:

1. Maceration: The first step involves macerating the key botanicals, along with additional herbs like hyssop, melissa, and coriander, in neutral alcohol. This process allows the flavors and aromas to infuse into the spirit.

2. Distillation: The infused alcohol is then distilled, traditionally using a copper pot still. This separates the volatile compounds, including the desired flavor components and alcohol, from the unwanted solids.

3. Louching: To achieve the signature opalescent green color, the distillate is often “louched” by adding water. This process causes the essential oils from the wormwood to precipitate, creating the distinctive cloudy appearance.

4. Bottling and aging: The finished absinthe is bottled and may be further aged in oak barrels to develop additional complexity and richness of flavor.

While traditional methods remain the gold standard, some modern producers use alternative methods like cold compounding, where flavors are extracted and blended with neutral alcohol. This allows for faster production and greater control over the final product’s consistency and color.

Ever wondered which absinthe brands are favored by the experts? These are the picks for the best absinthe experiences. After exploring these enchanting choices, we’d love to hear your thoughts – share your favorite absinthe brands in the comments!

Absinthe cocktail (Photo by Sonia Nadales on Unsplash)

The List: Best Absinthe Brands, According to Experts

1. Pernod Absinthe

Number one on the list of the best absinthe brands is Pernod Absinthe. “Pernod is the Belle Époque tipple all absinthes are aiming to replicate. Originally created in Marseille in 1805, by 1901 France was consuming 36 million liters of absinthe every year, which led to a prohibition of their own. But nobody loves tradition more than the French, and they brought back the original recipe in 2013, so you can party like it’s 1899,” says The Manual.

Want to get Pernod Absinthe delivered to your door in the US? http://t.co/y1PuRVXi68 #pernod #absinthe pic.twitter.com/VHQHMQV4Y9

— Pernod Absinthe (@PernodAbsinthe) February 19, 2014

Absinthe enthusiasts often appreciate the rich historical background that accompanies this storied drink. “Pernod stays true to form by using a recipe and formula based on one from the 1800s. Pernod was one of the most popular absinthe brands until 1915, when bans around the world started coming into place. Now, Pernod is once again one of the most popular brands, and it can be found in nearly any place that sells absinthe,” writes Vine Pair.

Within each bottle is a unique botanical blend. “Pernod is the closest to the absinthe we used to drink, says David Libespere, general manager of New York’s 67 Orange Street, and a French local. Pernod is better known for its anise-flavored pastis, but the brand does make real absinthe as well,” shares Liquor.

2. Vieux Pontarlier Absinthe Francais Superieure

Number two on the list of best absinthe brands is Vieux Pontarlier. “Vieux Pontarlier Absinthe Francaise Superieure is one of the world’s most highly decorated spirits and perhaps the most unlikely ‘grain to glass’ spirit expression that you’ll find. Its vintage absinthe crafted in the French city of Pontarlier using the distillery’s original recipe, with no artificial colors or sweeteners added. The absinthe is made from locally grown Artemisia Absinthium (a type of grand wormwood), green anise seed, provençal fennel seed, and a secret blend of other aromatic botanicals,” says Next Luxury.

The best absinthe brands attract those who are enthusiastic about artisanal and craft spirits. “Imported to the USA by Tempus Fugit, this absinthe is likely produced by Emile Pernot, which is the brand best associated with the ‘Vieux Pontarlier’ name. If so, this historical concoction has received dozens of awards since it was revived in 2008. In fact, a great number of absinthes available in the USA have been imported by Tempus Fugit. Indeed, it was created shortly after the reintroduction of absinthe in the US market and one of its founders was even a pioneer in redeveloping the Vieux Pontarlier style. Pontarlier is the French capital of absinthe Môtiers is in Switzerland. It is also arguably its own style of absinthe. Vieux Pontarlier features a slightly yellowed jade hue that louches with thick clouds and a clean surface. Meanwhile, its aromas are generous with anise with a light presence of spices and a creamy herbal edge,” writes Be Spoke Unit.

The aesthetic appeal of the emerald-green color is a point of fascination for many absinthe drinkers. “Vieux Pontarlier is a small- batch absinthe made in Pontarlier, France, which was once considered the ‘capital of Absinthe.’ It uses a chardonnay grape distillate base and is made in an antique absinthe still using recipes and notes from before the ban,” writes Vine Pair.

3. Vieux Carré Absinthe Supérieure

Number three on the list of the best absinthe brands is 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,” writes Advance Mixology.

Absinthe fans often enjoy experimenting with different water-to-spirit ratios to find their perfect serve. “This Vieux Carré Absinthe Supérieure is a respectable, culturally rich absinthe based in New Orleans and was the first absinthe sold on the United States East Coast since absinthe became legalized. It carries a history of bohemian and anti-prohibition culture and uses 100% natural herbs to respect the art of absinthe. Complex and intriguing, this absinthe has a deep green color that’s all-natural — no additional coloring or flavoring added. The suggestion is to serve this traditional, herbal, and harmonious mixture simply with ice-cold water,” shares Restaurant Clicks.

A good number of absinthe lovers are attracted to the mystique and romanticism often associated with the drink. “Vieux Carré Absinthe Supérieure is made by Philadelphia Distilling and works extremely well in a Sazerac cocktail. The first step in a Sazerac involves rinsing a glass with absinthe to impart flavor without actually adding the spirit to the drink. Vieux Carré is named after New Orleans’ French Quarter, and according to the brand, this was the first absinthe to be distilled and sold on the East Coast in over a century when it launched in 2008. The main botanicals used are star anise and wormwood,” says Liquor.

4. St. George Absinthe Verte

Number four on the list of the best absinthe brands is St. George Absinthe Verte. “One of my favorite absinthes to work with is St. George Verte, says Brendan Bartley, beverage director of Bathtub Gin and The 18th Room, who is a fan of this California distillery. ‘It was the first legal [American] absinthe available after the ban in 2007, and they use real ingredients.’ He adds, ‘For such a volatile category they really have made an elegant, refined spirit. It balances well in cocktails without taking over,'” says Liquor.

The allure of the “Green Fairy” often entices those with a penchant for romantic and mysterious beverages. “St. George Absinthe Verte is a different kind of absinthe, but rest assured, it’s real. Expect the standard flavors of anise, wormwood, fennel, hyssop, mint, and lemon balm. However, there are also extra flavors contributed by the basil, tarragon, and stinging nettles. Not to mention an extra dimension of flavor thanks to the brandy base used to make it,” writes Absinthefied.

The global resurgence of absinthe has attracted a new generation of enthusiasts eager to explore its flavors. “St. George Spirits ensures you get true, authentic absinthe without any artificial flavors or colorings that you might see in the cheaper items. Their Absinthe Verte uses botanical ingredients for a genuine herbal flavor. And if this absinthe tastes like it was made with experienced distillers, it’s because it is. Although absinthe was banned, St. George kept making absinthe, as it was not illegal to produce, just to sell. In this way, they are now ahead of the game compared to companies that waited to start making absinthe once it was legal. Ultimately, this absinthe is complex and simultaneously innovative and classic, with licorice, lemon, and hyssop hints,” shares Restaurant Clicks.

5. Copper & Kings Absinthe Alembic Blanche

Number five on the list of the best absinthe brands is Copper & Kings Absinthe Alembic Blanche. “Copper & Kings is an innovative brandy distillery in Louisville, Ky. that also makes excellent absinthe. Absinthe Alembic is double distilled from wine in small batches, non-chill filtered and has no additional flavors or colors. Some of the botanicals used include artemisia absinthium, anise and fennel. And interestingly, this absinthe is aged for a period of time in American brandy barrels, mellowing the flavor and adding notes of vanilla and pear. ‘At 65 percent ABV, it’s warm but not overpowering like others,’ says Reniel Garcia, bar director of Havana 1957 on Española Way,” says Liquor.

There’s a sense of community among absinthe lovers, sharing recommendations and tasting notes. “Unlike most of its Kentucky-based peers, Copper & Kings is a craft distiller that specializes in brandy and other more niche spirits. Its absinthe is produced using a traditional method with Vendôme copper stills and a double-distillation process. Non-chilled filtered, it features a rich and authentic flavor profile with generous use of wormwood, sweet fennel, and liquorice. Also worth sampling is the Copper & Kings barrel-aged absinthe. Although it’s far from traditional, the ageing process offers an entirely new absinthe experience,” writes Be Spoke Unit.

The sensory journey of tasting different absinthes, from initial aroma to lingering aftertaste, is a key attraction. “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,” shares Advance Mixology.

6. Leopold Brothers Absinthe Verte

Number six on the list for the best absinthe brands is Leopold Brothers Absinthe Verte.
“If you’re in the market for some high octane absinthe, look no further than Leopold Bros. Absinthe Verte. This Colorado distillery bottles its spirit at 130 proof, making it excellent to drink using the traditional method of diluting under a spoonful of sugar. Leopold Bros. makes its absinthe from a grape spirit base, adds botanicals like anise seed, fennel, and grande wormwood, and colors it using lemon balm and other herbs. The high proof doesn’t overpower the complexity of the spirit, though, so this is well worth trying,” says Liquor.

The cultural associations of absinthe with artists and writers of the past add to its allure for many. “Leopold Brothers Absinthe Verte is straightforward absinthe that has the licorice aroma one expects from the spirit and an agreeable, medium-body flavor. Once you add water, you’ll get more sensual notes of cinnamon and lime on the nose and lemon, orange, and anise on the tongue. Adding a bit of sugar won’t hurt either, especially if you want to bring the cinnamon flavors out even further. This absinthe is made in the USA and uses botanicals sourced from Spain and Europe for a rich, high-quality overall experience,” shares Restaurant Clicks.

The legacy of absinthe being a forbidden or controversial drink adds an element of intrigue. “Leopold Bros. uses 19th- century techniques to make its absinthe. In this case, that means using a distilled grape base (Chilean Pisco), and then adding the anise, fennel and wormwood after. The green comes from lemon balm and hyssop that is steeped in the mixture after it is distilled, perfect to drop into a Sazerac,” writes Vine Pair.

7. Kübler Absinthe

Finally, the number seven on the list for the best absinthe brands is Kübler Absinthe. “Kübler Absinthe is steeped in history. ‘Kübler hails from the birthplace of absinthe, Val-de-Travers, Switzerland,’ says Nestor Marchand, director of food and beverage at Plunge Beach Resort. ‘It is light, herbal and refreshing.’ Yves Kübler is the fourth generation master distiller who makes the absinthe in what he considers to be the traditional Swiss style, which predated its popularity in France and Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic),” says Liquor.

The visual allure of absinthe, with its captivating green hue, adds a touch of elegance to your drinking experience. “Kübler is a family-owned absinthe distiller from the Val-de-Travers region that was revived immediately following the ban. It was first launched in 1863 by J. Fritz Kübler and is operated today by his great-grandson, Yves, under the Altamar Brands portfolio. Yves Kübler played a pivotal role in campaigning for the repeal of the absinthe ban. Once it was lifted domestically, he went on to collaborate with the U.S. authorities to have absinthe products reintroduced into the American market. The original Kübler absinthe is a clear spirit and is produced only from locally sourced wormwood. It turns a milky white color when louched and offers a clean and fresh palate with anise-forward notes in its profile,” writes Be Spoke Unit.

For many, the pursuit of the finest Absinthe brands is a journey into a world of refined tastes and sophisticated pleasures. “If you’ve never tried absinthe before, then this small bottle from Kübler is the best absinthe brand to start off with. Rather than a full-size bottle, this absinthe comes in a small 375ML bottle that’s ideal for beginners (although you can find a 1-liter bottle as well). Plus, at 53% ABV, it’s much milder than higher-proof absinthes. Kübler Original is made from an original family recipe dating to 1863 and contains nine botanicals for a boldly traditional taste,” shares Spy.

How does absinthe make you feel?

The effects of absinthe are multifaceted and subjective, influenced by various factors like individual body chemistry, dosage, and expectations. However, some common experiences tend to emerge:

Heightened senses: The spirit’s botanical composition can enhance sensory perception, leading to sharper vision, brighter colors, and a heightened awareness of sounds and textures. This effect is often attributed to the thujone found in wormwood, although its precise role remains debated.
Increased creativity and focus: Absinthe has long been associated with unleashing artistic potential. Many renowned artists, including Vincent van Gogh and Oscar Wilde, sought its influence. This perceived creative boost likely stems from the spirit’s ability to reduce inhibitions and encourage a more free-flowing mental state.
Relaxation and euphoria: Absinthe can induce a sense of calm and well-being, leading to a state of relaxed bliss. However, it’s important to note that exceeding recommended dosages can lead to negative consequences like impaired judgment and coordination.
Lucidity and introspection: While absinthe can be intoxicating, many individuals report experiencing a unique “clear-headed” intoxication. This state allows for introspection and self-reflection, making absinthe a popular choice for contemplative moments.
Individual experiences: Ultimately, how absinthe makes you feel is a highly personal experience. Some may find it exhilarating and stimulating, while others may experience a more calming and introspective effect.

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.