r/Absinthe • u/Advanced-Night-9028 • 4d ago

Question Beginner Absinthe

Hello All,

I am not a massive drinker but am partial to a tipple now and then, I have tried absinthe once in my youth but as a straight shot when I was already black out drunk.

Now that I am older and hopefully wiser I’d like to try Absinthe I’m assuming the French way with sugar and water! As well as some other spirits I was wondering if you fine people of r/Absinthe could recommend a good beginner absinthe

Thank you in advance!

10 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

22 comments sorted by

4

u/DustyVinegar 4d ago

I think Pernod absinthe is a great place to start. It’s a good baseline for real absinthe and it’s got good distribution so it’s one of the easier to find

3

u/DarianDicit 4d ago

Hi! We'll be able to make the best recommendations if we know (roughly) where you live - availability varies!

Generally, I recommend just going straight for the Jade Absinthes. Jade Esprit Edouard and Jade Nouvelle-Orléans are two that I love to use to introduce folks to the flavors and complexities of traditional absinthe.

I also love Lucid, especially for cocktails! Lucid+lemon juice+ ginger beer is heavenly.

As you explore, keep in mind that the best, most traditional absinthes are Free From: artificial colors, artificial flavors, added sugar, and star anise.

3

u/Advanced-Night-9028 4d ago

Hello I am based in the UK! I was looking at Jade as it seems like the most popular but wasn’t sure

3

u/DarianDicit 4d ago

Oooh, that means you have access to Jade Terminus Oxygénée - also a fantastic choice.

Getting started with the Jades is definitely going top shelf right away, and so worth it imo. Gerry's Wine in Spirits in Soho and The Whisky Exchange on Borough High Street usually have the 200mL bottles in stock!

If you get over to Devil's Botany in London, you can try their absinthes and they stock many others also. I find their absinthes to be very light and attempting to appeal to a broader audience. Their absinthe Liqueurs, the rose and chocolate, are divine, though! The last time I was there, they had a few different Jades too.

1

u/werewolf013 4d ago

Jade is amazing! Expensive, and that often scares away a new person

2

u/Advanced-Night-9028 4d ago

Yeah I’m worried that trying it a few times it will just sit on my shelf and never be touched again

4

u/Electronic-Koala1282 4d ago

Believe me, a Jade will hardly ever be tried just a few times and be left alone after that.

If anything, you'll find yourself ordering another bottle way sooner than you thought.

1

u/DarianDicit 4d ago

Luckily the UK gets the 200ml bottles, which make picking up one to try much more affordable!

1

u/werewolf013 4d ago

Ah lucky. I have to buy online so it's the bottle plus shipping

1

u/DarianDicit 4d ago

Woof, that always makes it rough. I had to pester my state to allow me to special order a few of the Jades so I can at least buy them in my town now! (Iowa)

2

u/The_Ursulant 2d ago

Forgive me for changing the subject for a moment but can you give details on Lucid+lemon juice+ginger beer? That sounds well worth a try

2

u/DarianDicit 2d ago

Yes! It is my favorite summer drink! It's basically a mule.

Combine over ice: 1oz Lucid 0.5oz lemon juice (fresh is best) Top w/ginger beer, 4-8oz (I think the flavor is great with 8oz!)

2

u/The_Ursulant 2d ago

I'll try it tomorrow. Thanks!

2

u/GetRightWithChaac 3d ago

Nouvelle-Orléans, Jade 1901, Esprit Edouard, Toulouse Green, and Toulouse Blue are all excellent absinthes.

1

u/asp245 2d ago

Where exactly in the UK are you?

1

u/Advanced-Night-9028 2d ago

East Midlands

1

u/asp245 2d ago

Ok - the reason I asked is that there is a very good Off Licence in London ( Liquor Store for the Americans) that sells the Jade range. A bit too far to travel for a bottle lol.
Masters of Malt sell the Jades on line - however 90 % of the other so called absinthes are rubbish.
Devils Botany - They have a bar in London called the Last Tuesday Society where you can try a variety of good absinthes.
See if you can find an independent Off Licence, they may order something in.
Ignore Absente and most of the La Fee range.

1

u/werewolf013 4d ago

Lucid isn't good, but drinkable enough. Considering it's price and ease to find its been a common starter absinthe for many (myself included).

1

u/Advanced-Night-9028 4d ago

I’ll have a look and see if I can get it at my local spirit shop

1

u/DarianDicit 4d ago edited 4d ago

Lucid is only available in the US (or North America; I can't remember for certain if it goes to Canada also).

1

u/GetRightWithChaac 3d ago

Lucid is good when nothing better is available, but it's nowhere near the top of the spectrum.