Absinthe Party

The Menu

Please note that we will be providing conventional cocktail choices as well. For those who are used to my absinth parties you have become accustomed to a wide variety of brands to sample. Although absinth is now legal in the US there are only a couple of brands approved for sale here. Look for Kübler, Lucid, and St. George. Make sure to try Le Tourment Vert either in the traditional style or in a cocktail.

You may be interested to learn a little about the "Ritual". Check out the FAQ page for more information about how these are prepared, what effects to expect, and about the "AbsintheRitual".

The different absinthes generally run between $8 and $15 per glass,with a few very special items going for more. We will be able to accept credit cards.

This event is sponsored by Le Tourment Vert

We have a limited menu for this event.

	Kübler Suisse Yves Kübler is the man who made it all happen. We will be drinking a toast to him tonight at midnight. This is the exact same recipe as the European brand I have had for years. It has one of the most beautiful Louches of any brand on the world market today.Rich, strong and sweet. Star anise with a hint of citrus and warm spice at the finish. The full, soft flavor and lack of bitterness will be a plus for some, but a loss for others who crave more complex flavors.
	Lucid From Jade. This is from one of the premier distilleries in the world. Spicey, complex, woody. Not the best thing Jade has ever produced but passable and definately worth tasting.
	St George Distilled right here in the Bay area. You can really taste the wormwod in this. Best served over sugar. However, once you get the right combination it is very good. A complex balance of bitter herbs wrapped in sweet fennel and anise, graced with a gentle lemon highlight. The bitter, sweet and citrus flavors mingle, without mixing, allowing for a complex variety of flavors. It tastes like a walk in the woods.
	Le Tourment Vert The Green Torment - This is the newest brand of absinthe made legal for sale in the US. The taste is wonderful. Delicate flavors, sweet anise cools the mouth with a light mint finish. Light, refreshing, sophisticated, not bitter. The simplicity is balanced by the clear, bright flavor that rings through to a lasting finish.

These are some of the brands we have served in the past.

Grüner Angel

This is a lemon flavored absinth. It's served with soda water and makes a delicious lemon soda flavored drink. It's high in thujone (35mg/ltr) so it packs a kick. It has a slight bitter finnish which is surprising and quite nice. (which translates into... I am still trying to get rid of this shit. It is the worst flavor in the world, but I bought a dozen bottles of it by mistake - we fixed it with the lemon flavoring. It took a lot of work but it is now not bad)

BarnsFeathers

Absinthe comes in a few different catagories as recognized by the European Economic Union, including standard, strong, and bitter, among others. BarnsFeathers is classified as a bitter for a number of reasons - the one most notable to you will be its taste. In the EU absinth is allowed to have 10mg per Kg of Thujone per liter. Bitters are alowed a higher thujone content (35mg per Kg) Some people enjoy the bitter flavor as it tends to be more intense and can be quite complex.

1 or 2 sugars, four to one water.

King of Spirits

This Czech absinthe is something special. The rules say the you can only have 35mg per Kg of thujone when bottled. These crazy Czech brewers throw a bunch of wormwood into the finished bottle and let the thujone infuse over time making for one of the strongest finished brands on the market today. Definately worth checking out.

Tabu Ordinaire

German ritual absinth designed for the absinth ritual. This is one of the most popular absinth's in the world. It is served burned over sugar. It has a hint of chocolate and a taste that is completely different than any of the others we serve.

Tabu Dry NEW!

OK. You know that Tabu is our Sponsor. So there is an expectation that we might fudge a little in favor of them. Not so. The fact is you are going to taste these at the party yourself. The fact is Tabu Strong is one of our three most requested absinthes. That is about to change because Tabu Dry is the best anise free absinth on the market today and it is one of the best tasting brands on the market period, Do yourself a favor, try it.

Tabu Strong

By far the most popular and best tasting ritual absinth on the market today. A hint of chocolate. Served with burning sugar. Very nice.

Mari Mayans

Delicious Spanish Absinth. I think of all the new ritual brands this is my favorite. We just did the tasting for this party... I had forgotten how good this brand is.

Serpis and Serpis Dry

Serpis sin Anise

Serpis is a Spanish distillery that likes to think outside the box. They started making a red absinth when everyone knows that absinth is green. Then they created an absinth that didn't have any anise in it for people who don't like "that licorice taste". So if you don't like that licorice taste this is one of three brands to try. We have both with and without anise - you might enjoy trying one of each to experience the difference.

Exstase

From Ulex distilleries this is an unusual brand. It has a bitter flavor and a lot of complexity. The flavor swirls in your mouth changing as it hits different parts of your taste buds.

Be warned it's not for everyone. It has a very intense flavor.

Trul

Trul is the biggest seller world wide right now. There are two types that we will be serving - a Red and a Green. We have only one bottle of the red. It is fantastic. spicy, cinimon,

The green is great as well. Complex with more anise and less spice. You will love both of these.

Suisse La Blue

This is something spectacular. It's brewed by a Swiss distillery called Kübler. It's by far the most expensive absinth I found on my trip. That is probably because it is spoken of with reverence among absenteurs. Ounce for ounce it's about twice as expensive as anything else we have. I think it's worth it. The taste is like a nice anisette but with a pleasing bitterness. There are earthy tones and a slight cinnamon flavor (very slight). The louche is lovely going from a crystal clear to white with opal hints. It's fun to watch.

Verte De Fougerolles

This is the most florid of any brand I've tasted. Complex, herbal but lots of flowers. It tastes like spring time. I found this on Old Compton Street in London. I had been searching Old Compton at the advice of my lawyer who is a libertine and a cad.

Montaña

This Spanish absinthe is delightfully complex without being overpowering - light, flavorful. It's a great example of fine Spanish absinthe.

Mediterranean style.

Pernod

Pernod is the one that started it out. Ever since 1805 when Dr Pierre Ordinaire sold the recipe to the Pernod family Pernod absinth has been the absinth of choice world wide. When people think of absinth they think of the flavor, texture, ritual of Pernod. Pernod was banned from the manufacture of absinth in the early 20th century and only recently has been allowed to begin production again.

Usually Parisian absinthes are so sweet that you can't enjoy the nuance of the ingredients. Not Pernod. The Pernod 68 has a much more complex flavor but at the same time it is overwhelmingly anise. Historically this is the most popular brand in the world and the most imitated.

I like it with one sugar and four parts water.

Versinthe and Versinthe Blanche

I have had these in my cellar for the past year. I've been waiting for the right moment to break them out. Versinthe Blanche has become one of the most popular brands in the world. So now is the time.

When absinth is distilled the finished product has no color. The color is added by taking some of the clorophil from the masserated herbs that went into the brew. The Blanche skips this step. Try these side by side and see what you think.

Absinthe Des Alpes

This award winning absinthe is worth trying... over and over again.

Emile Coulin

Very nice French Absinthe. Traditional flavor, traditional methods of production.

Un Emile

Prepared in the same alembic stills used over a hundred years ago. This is from a turn of the last century recipe. Un Emile is one of the most subtle and delightful absinths I have ever tasted. If you have a good palatte you will love this.

Philippe LaSalle

Wonderful flavor, nice white louche. The louche occurs when the oils from the botanicals in the liquor mix with the water. When prepared properly the oils don't infuse with the water and yet they don't float on top; rather they remain suspended, mixed yet separate. Philippe LaSalle has produced a wonderful absinth with a complex flavor reminiscent of woody glades, and autumn breezes. You can taste the oak from the cask and still pick out a whole parade of flavors one after the other as this delightful absinth swirls over your taste buds.

This is honestly the absinth that opened my eyes to why this drink was so popular in Belle Epoch Paris. There is no one overpowering flavor like sugar, or anise, or the bitter wormwood. It is more like a fine wine with subtle hints of this or that. I love this absinthe.

I recommend you try this with no sugar. Just cool water mixed four to one. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Serpis Dry

This Spannish absinthe broke the mold by changing color from Green to Red. Then they broke it again by becoming the first brand to take the anise (licorise flavor) out of the exlixer. This is the Dry flavor which does not have the Anise.

330

If you know what this is then you know how rare and what a treat it is to have it. If you don't know what it is than ask your server.

Jade Verte Suisse 65

This fine Swiss absinthe was almost lost forever if it had not been for the resurfacing of original, unopened bottles, which Jade Liqueurs was able to secure for study and preservation. Using proprietary analytical techniques, Jade Liqueurs has painstakingly resurrected this beautiful liquor from extinction. Jade Verte Suisse 65 recalls a century-old tradition of fine Swiss-style absinthes, and enables the connoisseur to savor a journey into history. Verte Suisse 65 also serves as an ideal aperitif to start off even the heartiest of dining selections, with its spicy, herbal aromas and as a digestif, its lingering taste is not overpowered by your favorite Cuban cigar.

Edouard 72

Not since the French ban of 1915 has the world seen a French absinthe that boasts the quality of the famed Edouard Pernod label. Jade Absinthe Edouard is absolutely correct to the original, from its delicate tint, to its refined texture and delightfully aromatic finish. The exquisite taste of this absinthe is incredibly smooth, unique and delicious. Absinthe Edouard offers the connoisseur the genuine Belle Époque absinthe experience, and makes an impressively prestigious addition to any collection of fine liquors. We invite you to experience the unrivalled quality, tradition, and mystique that only Absinthe Edouard can deliver.

Nouvelle-Orléans

ade Absinthe Nouvelle-Orléans presents the connoisseur with an unique perfume and texture that disappeared along with the artisanal marques almost a century ago. Several medicinal plants and flowers, including wormwood are macerated in a wine-based alcohol and then distilled in 100 year old alambics. Its light green color comes from a second infusion of plants in the resulting distillate. Its aromas are bright yet complex and savory; it is a true apéritif, one that stimulates the appetite while cleansing and refreshing the palate with its crisp, rich taste. The finish is long and fresh, with its attractive floral components lingering long after the final sip.

La Troublante

No anise flavor and a hint of vanilla. Very yummy.

Cannabis Absinthe

Tastes like Christmass. Very yummy and a hell of a kick. Made with Cannabis seads.

Black Cat

Black Cat is the original Coffee Absinthe liqueur, produced by the Teichenné family in Spain. Served hot.

When I was in Amsterdam last month I went to the Absinthe Bar. They had about ten brands on the menu, this was my favorite. It tastes a little like Kahlua. it's great served with hot water on a cold night.

Mandragora

This Spanish brew is made from the Mandrake plant. It's amazing, tasty, served over ice. Be warned it's got a serious kick.

Any of a group of almost stemless Old World plants with narcotic (pain-killing and sleep-inducing) properties, belonging to the nightshade family. They have large leaves, pale blue or violet flowers, and round berries known as devil¹s apples. (Genus Mandragora, family Solanaceae.)

Salvia

This is not strictly speaking an absinth though it does contain the same chemical that is found in absinth. This wonderful liquor is the sweetest thing you will put in your mouth tonight. It's light creamy and sweet without cloying. Be careful this little lollie packs a serious wallop.

Begin by smelling this interesting liquor. You will notice pine, menthol, and a hint of the outdoors. Salvia is extremely aromatic. Now taste it. The flavor is surprising. It's light, almost creamy, sweet and one of the most delightful flavors I have ever tasted. It is also extremely powerful so watch out.

Tabu Dry NEW!

Black Cat

Black Cat is the original Coffee Absinthe liqueur, produced by the Teichenné family in Spain. Served hot.

Mandragora

This Spanish brew is made from the Mandrake plant. It's amazing, tasty, served over ice. Be warned it's got a serious kick.

	Grüner Angel This is a lemon flavored absinth. It's served with soda water and makes a delicious lemon soda flavored drink. It's high in thujone (35mg/ltr) so it packs a kick. It has a slight bitter finnish which is surprising and quite nice. (which translates into... I am still trying to get rid of this shit. It is the worst flavor in the world, but I bought a dozen bottles of it by mistake - we fixed it with the lemon flavoring. It took a lot of work but it is now not bad)
	BarnsFeathers Absinthe comes in a few different catagories as recognized by the European Economic Union, including standard, strong, and bitter, among others. BarnsFeathers is classified as a bitter for a number of reasons - the one most notable to you will be its taste. In the EU absinth is allowed to have 10mg per Kg of Thujone per liter. Bitters are alowed a higher thujone content (35mg per Kg) Some people enjoy the bitter flavor as it tends to be more intense and can be quite complex. 1 or 2 sugars, four to one water.
	King of Spirits This Czech absinthe is something special. The rules say the you can only have 35mg per Kg of thujone when bottled. These crazy Czech brewers throw a bunch of wormwood into the finished bottle and let the thujone infuse over time making for one of the strongest finished brands on the market today. Definately worth checking out.
	Tabu Ordinaire German ritual absinth designed for the absinth ritual. This is one of the most popular absinth's in the world. It is served burned over sugar. It has a hint of chocolate and a taste that is completely different than any of the others we serve.
	Tabu Dry OK. You know that Tabu is our Sponsor. So there is an expectation that we might fudge a little in favor of them. Not so. The fact is you are going to taste these at the party yourself. The fact is Tabu Strong is one of our three most requested absinthes. That is about to change because Tabu Dry is the best anise free absinth on the market today and it is one of the best tasting brands on the market period, Do yourself a favor, try it.
	Tabu Strong By far the most popular and best tasting ritual absinth on the market today. A hint of chocolate. Served with burning sugar. Very nice.
	Mari Mayans Delicious Spanish Absinth. I think of all the new ritual brands this is my favorite. We just did the tasting for this party... I had forgotten how good this brand is.
	Serpis and Serpis Dry Serpis sin Anise Serpis is a Spanish distillery that likes to think outside the box. They started making a red absinth when everyone knows that absinth is green. Then they created an absinth that didn't have any anise in it for people who don't like "that licorice taste". So if you don't like that licorice taste this is one of three brands to try. We have both with and without anise - you might enjoy trying one of each to experience the difference.
	Exstase From Ulex distilleries this is an unusual brand. It has a bitter flavor and a lot of complexity. The flavor swirls in your mouth changing as it hits different parts of your taste buds. Be warned it's not for everyone. It has a very intense flavor.
	Trul Trul is the biggest seller world wide right now. There are two types that we will be serving - a Red and a Green. We have only one bottle of the red. It is fantastic. spicy, cinimon, The green is great as well. Complex with more anise and less spice. You will love both of these.

	Suisse La Blue This is something spectacular. It's brewed by a Swiss distillery called Kübler. It's by far the most expensive absinth I found on my trip. That is probably because it is spoken of with reverence among absenteurs. Ounce for ounce it's about twice as expensive as anything else we have. I think it's worth it. The taste is like a nice anisette but with a pleasing bitterness. There are earthy tones and a slight cinnamon flavor (very slight). The louche is lovely going from a crystal clear to white with opal hints. It's fun to watch.
	Verte De Fougerolles This is the most florid of any brand I've tasted. Complex, herbal but lots of flowers. It tastes like spring time. I found this on Old Compton Street in London. I had been searching Old Compton at the advice of my lawyer who is a libertine and a cad.
	Montaña This Spanish absinthe is delightfully complex without being overpowering - light, flavorful. It's a great example of fine Spanish absinthe. Mediterranean style.
	Pernod Pernod is the one that started it out. Ever since 1805 when Dr Pierre Ordinaire sold the recipe to the Pernod family Pernod absinth has been the absinth of choice world wide. When people think of absinth they think of the flavor, texture, ritual of Pernod. Pernod was banned from the manufacture of absinth in the early 20th century and only recently has been allowed to begin production again. Usually Parisian absinthes are so sweet that you can't enjoy the nuance of the ingredients. Not Pernod. The Pernod 68 has a much more complex flavor but at the same time it is overwhelmingly anise. Historically this is the most popular brand in the world and the most imitated. I like it with one sugar and four parts water.
	Versinthe and Versinthe Blanche I have had these in my cellar for the past year. I've been waiting for the right moment to break them out. Versinthe Blanche has become one of the most popular brands in the world. So now is the time. When absinth is distilled the finished product has no color. The color is added by taking some of the clorophil from the masserated herbs that went into the brew. The Blanche skips this step. Try these side by side and see what you think.
	Absinthe Des Alpes This award winning absinthe is worth trying... over and over again.
	Emile Coulin Very nice French Absinthe. Traditional flavor, traditional methods of production.
	Un Emile Prepared in the same alembic stills used over a hundred years ago. This is from a turn of the last century recipe. Un Emile is one of the most subtle and delightful absinths I have ever tasted. If you have a good palatte you will love this.
	Philippe LaSalle Wonderful flavor, nice white louche. The louche occurs when the oils from the botanicals in the liquor mix with the water. When prepared properly the oils don't infuse with the water and yet they don't float on top; rather they remain suspended, mixed yet separate. Philippe LaSalle has produced a wonderful absinth with a complex flavor reminiscent of woody glades, and autumn breezes. You can taste the oak from the cask and still pick out a whole parade of flavors one after the other as this delightful absinth swirls over your taste buds. This is honestly the absinth that opened my eyes to why this drink was so popular in Belle Epoch Paris. There is no one overpowering flavor like sugar, or anise, or the bitter wormwood. It is more like a fine wine with subtle hints of this or that. I love this absinthe. I recommend you try this with no sugar. Just cool water mixed four to one. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. Serpis Dry This Spannish absinthe broke the mold by changing color from Green to Red. Then they broke it again by becoming the first brand to take the anise (licorise flavor) out of the exlixer. This is the Dry flavor which does not have the Anise.

	330 If you know what this is then you know how rare and what a treat it is to have it. If you don't know what it is than ask your server.
	Jade Verte Suisse 65 This fine Swiss absinthe was almost lost forever if it had not been for the resurfacing of original, unopened bottles, which Jade Liqueurs was able to secure for study and preservation. Using proprietary analytical techniques, Jade Liqueurs has painstakingly resurrected this beautiful liquor from extinction. Jade Verte Suisse 65 recalls a century-old tradition of fine Swiss-style absinthes, and enables the connoisseur to savor a journey into history. Verte Suisse 65 also serves as an ideal aperitif to start off even the heartiest of dining selections, with its spicy, herbal aromas and as a digestif, its lingering taste is not overpowered by your favorite Cuban cigar.
	Edouard 72 Not since the French ban of 1915 has the world seen a French absinthe that boasts the quality of the famed Edouard Pernod label. Jade Absinthe Edouard is absolutely correct to the original, from its delicate tint, to its refined texture and delightfully aromatic finish. The exquisite taste of this absinthe is incredibly smooth, unique and delicious. Absinthe Edouard offers the connoisseur the genuine Belle Époque absinthe experience, and makes an impressively prestigious addition to any collection of fine liquors. We invite you to experience the unrivalled quality, tradition, and mystique that only Absinthe Edouard can deliver.
	Nouvelle-Orléans ade Absinthe Nouvelle-Orléans presents the connoisseur with an unique perfume and texture that disappeared along with the artisanal marques almost a century ago. Several medicinal plants and flowers, including wormwood are macerated in a wine-based alcohol and then distilled in 100 year old alambics. Its light green color comes from a second infusion of plants in the resulting distillate. Its aromas are bright yet complex and savory; it is a true apéritif, one that stimulates the appetite while cleansing and refreshing the palate with its crisp, rich taste. The finish is long and fresh, with its attractive floral components lingering long after the final sip.
	La Troublante No anise flavor and a hint of vanilla. Very yummy.
	Cannabis Absinthe Tastes like Christmass. Very yummy and a hell of a kick. Made with Cannabis seads.
	Black Cat Black Cat is the original Coffee Absinthe liqueur, produced by the Teichenné family in Spain. Served hot. When I was in Amsterdam last month I went to the Absinthe Bar. They had about ten brands on the menu, this was my favorite. It tastes a little like Kahlua. it's great served with hot water on a cold night.
	Mandragora This Spanish brew is made from the Mandrake plant. It's amazing, tasty, served over ice. Be warned it's got a serious kick. Any of a group of almost stemless Old World plants with narcotic (pain-killing and sleep-inducing) properties, belonging to the nightshade family. They have large leaves, pale blue or violet flowers, and round berries known as devil¹s apples. (Genus Mandragora, family Solanaceae.)
	Salvia This is not strictly speaking an absinth though it does contain the same chemical that is found in absinth. This wonderful liquor is the sweetest thing you will put in your mouth tonight. It's light creamy and sweet without cloying. Be careful this little lollie packs a serious wallop. Begin by smelling this interesting liquor. You will notice pine, menthol, and a hint of the outdoors. Salvia is extremely aromatic. Now taste it. The flavor is surprising. It's light, almost creamy, sweet and one of the most delightful flavors I have ever tasted. It is also extremely powerful so watch out.
	Tabu Dry OK. You know that Tabu is our Sponsor. So there is an expectation that we might fudge a little in favor of them. Not so. The fact is you are going to taste these at the party yourself. The fact is Tabu Strong is one of our three most requested absinthes. That is about to change because Tabu Dry is the best anise free absinth on the market today and it is one of the best tasting brands on the market period, Do yourself a favor, try it.

The Menu

This event is sponsored by Le Tourment Vert

We have a limited menu for this event.

Kübler Suisse

Lucid

St George

Le Tourment Vert

These are some of the brands we have served in the past.

Grüner Angel

BarnsFeathers

King of Spirits

Tabu Ordinaire

Tabu Strong

Mari Mayans

Serpis and Serpis Dry

Serpis sin Anise

Exstase

From Ulex distilleries this is an unusual brand. It has a bitter flavor and a lot of complexity. The flavor swirls in your mouth changing as it hits different parts of your taste buds.

Trul

Suisse La Blue

Verte De Fougerolles

Montaña

Pernod

Versinthe and Versinthe Blanche

Absinthe Des Alpes

Emile Coulin

Un Emile

Philippe LaSalle

Serpis Dry

330

Jade Verte Suisse 65

Edouard 72

Nouvelle-Orléans

La Troublante

Cannabis Absinthe

Black Cat

Black Cat is the original Coffee Absinthe liqueur, produced by the Teichenné family in Spain. Served hot.

Mandragora

Salvia

Black Cat

Black Cat is the original Coffee Absinthe liqueur, produced by the Teichenné family in Spain. Served hot.

Mandragora