est. 2007
Angelique 72 Verte Suisse Review:
-72& abv, .7 litre
-Country of Origin: Switzerland
-The first Verte from Claude-Alaian Bugnon
From the mastermind known as Claude-Alain Bugnon, creator of the exceptional Clandestine La Bleu, comes his first ever verte, Angelique. There is, however, a great division between those that love it and hate it. Why the controversy? Angelique uses macerated wormwood, a la many a Czechsinthes. But does that alone make it a poor absinthe? I look past the controversy for an unbiased review...
A pleasantly sweet aroma invites every absintheur to pour a glass. The louche is slow to form and maintains a tightly knit cloud. Sadly, I noted that there were very small traces of sediment visible in the bottom of the glass. The serving that finished off the bottle was the only glass I saw any traces, so I'm assuming it was just a very minute residue lingering on the very bottom. Resulting colour is more beige-heavy than green, perfectly opaque and thick.
Upon tasting, immediately upfront is a thick sweetness with an abundance of angelica, paired with a strictly controlled level of anise. Surging full flavour with some spicy notes unveiling themselves mid-sip. Again, quite satisfying, and it leaves behind a trace of mystery, leaving you longing for another sip the moment you finish the prior. I LIKE it. You won't notice the wormwood at all in the body of the drink, merely a chauffeur escorting one on their way out. The bitterness does linger for a while on the very back of your toungue, but I thought it was rather subtle, and again, makes me reach for my water glass more for the mild cottonmouth it inspires than an unpleasant bitterness, along with some light numbing. The bitterness doesn't even come close to approaching the level that some more fanatical colouring-police protestors were arguing. Adding sugar it is still quite tasty, but I think it detracts from the earthy quality of drinking without. Rookies will probably prefer it with sugar, the angelica thankfully strong enough that it won't be lost in the sweetness. The finish also improves with sugar, and apart from a bit of dryness still present, is no longer a point of concern, at least on my palate. It has an exceptionally full, satisfying texture; as concentrated and structured as the louche. It wraps up with a soft, padded texture, contrasting the deep tones of the body. Without a doubt, one of the best things to enter my mouth this year. Hm, perhaps I should reword that...
If nothing else, Angelique is certainly unique. I don't know if that individuality is what kept me so engaged, but at the end of the day, no matter your opinion on absinthe colouring politics it is indeed a fine absinthe. Put it on your wish list, people.
Personal Preference: I preferred Angelique at a 3:1 dilution without sugar. I think age has helped a little too. I tried it when got it and now that it is almost exactly 6 months old it seems to have improved all around.
Presentation: 6.0 (as a graphic artist I thought the "daughter" of Fee Verte character on the label seemed rather uninspired)
Louche: 9.0
Taste: 8.5
Value: 8.0
Overall: 8.5
posted 12/26/07