Note: This is a Czech Absinth, hence it contains less fennel, anise and mint than French or Swiss Absinthes.The distillery dates from 1518.

First Impression: Wormwood and mint – hyssop, lemon balm alcohol is not as much in foreground as one might think at 120 proof. Sweetish and minty smell overall with traces of coriander and cubeb.

Appearance: Clear, bright green color in bottle, more green blue in glass- On swirling, leaves a thin coat on the glass with scalloping and very thin legs developing. Louche is poor to nonexistent compared to a French Absinthe.

Taste: Not overly complex- mint and wormwood, with a distinct midline bitter drying on the tongue. Hot, jalapeno-like finish.

Drinks: The French absinthe ritual involves water fountains, sugar, spoons, and you pour the absinthe in the glass then put the spoon over the glass put a sugar cube on it and drip water from a purpose built fountain over until it louches (opalesces, turns cloudy, etc.) and the right amount of dilution (to personal taste-variable) is reached.The Czech method is more fraught with danger (especially if you have had a few already) as it involves fire and highly combustible liquids. You put the spoon over an empty glass then place the sugar cube on the spoon, then pour the absinthe over the sugar,soaking it thoroughly and then torch the sugar cube, letting it burn down and caramelize the sugar, you then pour the water over the remains of the sugar cube and stir it in.

Photos of this particular method are available on www.absintheium.com . Caution must be exercised to avoid spilling the flaming liquid or having the glass shatter from the heat. Frankly I find the Czech method showy, dangerous, and tedious, all at once.

With the lack of fennel licorice-like notes it is easier to mix into juices or use as a cocktail ingredient as to mixing profile (think Jaegermeister or Becherovka).

Other: Due to the relatively low proof I recommend a 3-1 max dilution (most are 6-1 dilution)

Bottle: Clear glass bottle cylindrical shape with impressed molding design that add texture to the visual appeal and make it easy to grip and pour. Decorated with green and gold labels, black screw cap.

Final Thoughts: More of a mint bitter than anything. Distillation is good. Price is competitive, nice presentation, free spoon. If you like Czech style you might find this one interesting. Better than Hills or King of Spirits .

Website: http://greenfairy.com.au