The Absinthe Frappe (The Refreshing Crusher)

^{This post has been sponsored by Absinthe Absente. All opinions expressed are my own. The following message is intended for those 21+.}

Today we're reviewing what is probably one of my favorite display pieces - the Absente Van Gogh, a limited-edition release from Distilleries et Domaines de Provence Absente Absinthe Refined. This gorgeous collectible is meant to pay tribute to Vincent van Gogh, whose legendary association with the spirit shaped the history of absinthe - and of himself.

Now, without further introduction, let's get tasting. I'll be providing a review of what's inside the bottle, as well as some suggestions for how best to enjoy it.

Absente's Van Gogh Absinthe Refined Overview

Quick Facts

• Distillery: Today's absinthe is produced by Distilleries et Domaines de Provence, a deeply historic artisanal producer based in southern France. Originally founded in 1898 under the name Distillerie de Lure, it is situated in the commune of Forcalquier, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, at the foot of the Lure Mountain.
• Botanical Variety: Absente's Absinthe Refined uses a blend of nine foundational botanicals including Grande Wormwood, Green Anise and Star Anise, Florence Fennel, Lemon Balm, Peppermint, Mugwort, Angelica, and Roman Wormwood.
• ABV: 55% alcohol by volume, which is precisely 110 proof.
• Price: As of this review, this wine costs about $70-150 USD, depending on the outlet.

Region - Forcalquier, France

The Forcalquier area is renowned for its alpine-meets-Mediterranean climate, which graces the area with immense botanical biodiversity, with the area featuring some 1800 species of medicinal and aromatic plants. These plants grow primarily along the slopes of the mountainsides. The distillery has drawn upon a local herbalist and plant gatherer heritage stretching back at least a thousand years in harvesting these wild mountainsides.

Aromatic and Tasting Notes

On the Nose

This absinthe's first impression is decidedly intense. There are upfront aromas of sweet black licorice driven heavily by star anise and green anise. In terms of complexity, as the absinthe opens up, it reveals earthy undertones of wormwood brightened by fennel. These notes are accentuated by subtle wild peppermint providing bright notes alongside lemon balm, with just a hint of floral alpine spices drifting pleasantly in the background.

On the Palate

On the attack, the absinthe hits the tongue with a silky, almost glycerous texture. There is an immediate wave of intense anise and fennel-based sweetness, with a flavor profile reminiscent of black jellybeans. Mid-palate, the initial sweetness gives way to a layered and robust herbaceous complexity, grounded in notes of earthy tea and spicy black pepper, which cut through the initial sugar. Delicious.

Finish

The finish is quite long and is very refreshing and warming. The peppermint and lemon linger, cooling the palate, while leaving behind the pleasant-though-rustic bitterness characteristic of wormwood.

The Score

Excellent. This, to my mind, exemplifies a quality, traditional absinthe. For that reason, I'll award it a 99.

Recommended Cocktails

1. The Sazerac (The Classic Aromatic Rinse): An ultimate showcase for how a little absinthe can really elevate a drink. All we do for this cocktail is pour a splash of absinthe into a chilled rocks glass, swirl to coat the inside, and then discard the excess. We then stir in two ounces of rye whiskey or cognac, one teaspoon of simple syrup, and three dashes of bitters. Strain directly into the absinthe-rinsed glass, garnish with lemon peel, and serve.
2. Death in the Afternoon: Invented by Hemingway, this cocktail pairs the deep and herb-heavy notes of the absinthe with the crisp, dry bubbles of champagne. The high acidity and effervescence of the wine cut through the licorice sweetness for a delicious contrast. For this cocktail, we mix about five ounces of dry champagne or prosecco with an ounce and a half of absinthe. Pour the Absente directly into a chilled champagne flute, and slowly top with cold sparkling wine until the drink turns a milky, opalescent green.
3. The Absinthe Frappe (The Refreshing Crusher): A frozen New Orleans classic combining 1.5 ounces of absinthe, a massive amount of crushed ice, half an ounce of anisette liqueur (or simple syrup), 2 ounces of club soda, and about eight fresh mint leaves. This cocktail starts off with muddling the mint leaves and syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. We then add in the Absente and shake vigorously with standard ice chunks. We then strain into a tall glass packed to the brim with crushed ice. We top with club soda and garnish with fresh mint.
4. The Necromancer: The quintessential absinthe cocktail, in my opinion. The cocktail begins by combining three-quarters of an ounce each of Absente Absinthe, Lillet Blanc (or any premium white vermouth), elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and one dash of bitters in a cocktail shaker packed with ice. We then shake hard for about 20 seconds, and then double strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist. Delicious.

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And that's our review of the Absente Van Gogh. If you tried this spirit, or any of the suggested absinthe cocktails, or have any questions, be sure to let us know in the comments below. We always love hearing from you.

Cheers!