St. George Absinthe Verte

St. George Absinthe Verte shines in classic absinthe cocktails or sipped neat with a slow drip of ice-cold water, allowing its complex herbal notes to unfold gradually. This verdant spirit is particularly refreshing on warm summer evenings, pairing beautifully with rich, savory appetizers like pâté or strong cheeses that can stand up to its bold, anise-forward flavor profile.

Nose: Fresh herbal notes dominate, with anise and fennel at the forefront. Hints of mint, lemon balm, and star anise provide complexity. A subtle earthiness reminiscent of fresh-cut grass lingers in the background.

Palate: Bold and layered flavors unfold. Wormwood brings a characteristic bitterness, balanced by the sweetness of anise and fennel. Mint and melissa (lemon balm) add brightness. Subtle notes of basil and tarragon emerge. The mouthfeel is rich and oily, coating the tongue.

Finish: Long and warming. The herbal complexity lingers, with wormwood's bitterness and anise's sweetness fading slowly. A slight numbing sensation on the tongue is typical of quality absinthe. Faint peppery notes and a touch of citrus zest appear in the aftertaste.

St. George Absinthe Verte is crafted using a unique blend of herbs, including star anise, fennel, and the essential wormwood, which are steeped in a brandy base before being distilled. What sets this absinthe apart is the additional step of macerating fresh herbs like mint, tarragon, and stinging nettles in the distillate, giving it a vibrant green hue and complex botanical profile without the use of artificial colorants.

• St. George Absinthe Verte was the first legal American absinthe released after the U.S. ban was lifted in 2007, beating other producers to market by mere hours in a race to revive the "Green Fairy" stateside.
• Unlike many modern absinthes that use artificial coloring, St. George achieves its natural green hue through a secret step called the "louche" process, which involves macerating fresh herbs in the distilled spirit.
• The brandy base of St. George Absinthe Verte is made from Bartlett pears, adding a subtle fruity complexity that sets it apart from traditional grape-based absinthes and contributes to its unique flavor profile.