Each absinthe is always prepared with ice water for the best potential 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 at least 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 2 full servings are consumed to review.  Anything less will be considered a "preview".

I use a 1 to 10 scale in 4 areas of criteria.  The overall score is NOT an average or total of the other scores!:

Presentation:  Scored according to bottle and label design, colour before louche, smell, and any additional innovations. 

Louche: Scored in accordance to quality of louche process, colour during/after louche, how quickly the transition occurs, and the thickness.

Taste:  Scored based on many factors including mouthfeel, initial taste, aftertaste, and smoothness of the drink.  A higher complexity will not necessarily result in a higher score.

Value: Graded depending on quality of taste, presentation, (if a bottle looks very cheap or has a particularly  snazzy label, for instance) and comparison to other similarly-priced/sized bottles.

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.  Taste will always be the most important factor without exception.