Ulex Ordinaire 70 Absinthe Review:

By Catheryna (GUEST REVIEW)

Photo courtesy of www.1a-absinthe.com
 

-70% alcohol 

-.7 litre

-Country of origin: Germany

I will free you first from burning thirst

That is born of a night of the bowl,

Like a sun 'twill rise through the inky skies

That so heavily hang o'er your souls.

At the first cool sip on your fevered lip

You determine to live through the day,

Life's again worth while as with a dawning smile

You imbibe your absinthe frappé.

 I've always been a bit skeptical with German absinthe, but today I took a chance and tried a German brand which proclaims itself as one of the strongest German Absinthes, Ulex Ordinaire 70.

 The bottle comes completely wrapped in a paper band, which gives it a very historical design.  It is tightly sealed with one of those screw-tops, which is a shame...I really think it is misplaced on a bottle like this.

 After opening the bottle, the first smell is very much alcohol, followed by a sweet, warm note of fennel and a slight hint of anise, somewhat inviting.  For the preparation I would suggest a 3-4:1 ratio with sugar. Try to add the water slowly, though, as this is an absinthe which will develop a diluted taste very quickly. The louche is very quick but comes in a nice equal motion from the bottom to the top, ending up a milky yellow-white color.  Once louched, the anise develops into a much fuller scent.

 Tasting this Absinthe for the first time, it seems rather bitter, but the anise quickly becomes overpowering and will numb your mouth a little more after every sip.  Although Ulex is claimed to be distilled after an old traditional recipe, it would have been much better with additional herbs. I also missed the light fennel aroma from the beginning.  All in all, the flavor isn't bold or full, and along with the anise there is a bitter, herbal taste with a light, sweet finish, but this recipe has serious balancing issues.

My overall impression: Not good, but not too terrible for a German Absinthe.  For the price I've had much better, but then I've also had much worse.  Love or hate it, I've found it to be below average.

Presentation: 4

 Louche: 3.5

 Taste 3.5

 Value 3.5

Overall: 3.5

Posted 9/28/2007