Our Evaluation Process:
 

Each absinthe is always prepared with ice water for the best possible louche, in a well-lit area to observe the colour and louche process properly.  For the sake of accuracy, parts are measured to the exact ratios.  All absinthes reviewed are aged a minimum of 1-2 months before reviewing, and if an absinthe is aged (significantly) longer it will be noted.  Exactly one ounce is used per serving and at least 3 full servings are consumed to review.  Anything less, we do not believe is enough to give a final review score with complete accuracy, and will be given a score of the initial impression under the "Impressions" tab on the left.

A 1 to 10 scale in 4 areas of criteria is used.  The overall score is NOT an average or total of the other scores:

Presentation:  Scored according to bottle and label design, colour before and after louche, and any further visual innovations.  Presentation has little to no influence on the final score.

Louche: Scored in accordance to quality of louche process, colour during/after louche, how quickly the transition occurs, and the thickness.  As with the presentation, louche is a wonderful treat for the eyes, but the quality of the louche should have little impact regarding the final score.

Taste:  Scored based on many factors including aroma, mouthfeel, mid-palate, and quality of the finish.  Because aroma is such a large part of what an absinthe tastes like, we have grouped aroma/taste together in the name of simplicity.  Taste always accounts for 90% of the overall score without exception.

Value: Graded depending on quality in comparison to other similarly-priced bottles.  Affects the final score up to one point in most cases, but exceptions will be made in extreme cases (ie: King of Spirits Gold's $200 price tag).

Overall:  This score will not be based on the average of the above scores.  For example, an absinthe that scores high in both taste and presentation may have a mediocre overall score if it is vastly overpriced for the quality.  Likewise, a dull looking absinthe with an average louche can still score very high if the taste is exceptional.  Again, taste will always be the most important factor without exception.