est. 2007

Kallnacher Red Absinthe Bitter Cocktail Review:

-22% abv (44 proof), 1.0 litre

-Country of Origin: Switzerland

-It's really, really red.

So, the first absinthe premixed cocktail review is here, and I like it.  A lot.  Better than Campari.  Hell, I like it more than the actual Kallnacher absinthe.  But I don’t know why they didn't just call this Kallnacher Campari.  KampaRed, Kampari,…whatev.  But Kallnacher Red?  Please.

The only problem being of course, that this little nickname couldn't really be used verbally.  If so, I suppose the conversation would go something like this:

Man1: So I tried this lovely little premixed absinthe cocktail the other day.

Man2: Oh, do tell!

Man1: It's called Kampari.  Really great stuff, you know?

Man2: Campari? Rubbish, that doesn't have absinthe in it at all.

Man1: No, no, my boy; KAMpari,..you see?

Man2: Not at all.

Man1: Look here now.  I've conveniently recorded a text documentation of our last 30 seconds of conversation.  Go on, take a good look.

Man2: ...ah!  I see it now.  Yes, certainly a difference.

Man1: Yes, without a doubt...now, be a lad and hand over the bottle you just slipped in your jacket.

Returning to seriousness, Kampari is immediately sweet upfront, later melding into a more herbal, modestly bitter character.  A touch too concentrated to drink straight, so let your cubes melt for a few minutes and ahhh...it’s just about perfect.  Appropriately mouth-coating, it is fruity and sweet with a twist of spice; there's simply a wonderful variety of herbs and spices.  The only hindrance is a slight "cough-syrup" vibe one might get every now and then (though it didn't bother me at all). 

So then, let's review: it tastes great, is a great social drink, and serves as an excellent aperitif.  If you enjoy a dash of aromatic bitters in your cocktails you're going to love this!

Other notes: I enjoyed Kallnacher Red best on the rocks, but is also a wonderful base for cocktails or added to sparkling water.  It's also very, very red stuff.  I'm fairly certain it is mentioned under “red” in the latest edition of Websters (or should be, in a any case). 

Overall: 8.50/10

Published 9/05/2008