A Taste of Absinthe

The production of Absinthe, the long story of which you can read on the Wikepedia page, was resurrected in the US in 2007. Lucky for me one of the first places in the US to produce and sell Absinthe in the modern age is located just across the way on the old Alameda Naval Base. St. George's Spirits which produces among other things Hangar One Vodka is no longer located in hangar one but is still on the base in hangar 21. Last year I made a visit to the distillery with my brother but alas all the Absinthe had been sold as soon as it was available for purchase and not even a bottle was left for tasting. St. George's Spirits has since increased their production and now offers an Absinthe tasting. For $10 you get a one ounce pour, and being 120 proof is recommended to be shared and not drank by the driver. We shared our ounce between five people and all agreed we had enough. The absinthe is poured over ice. When first poured it is a clear brownish-greenish liquid. Absinthe is traditionally thought of as green but this one seemed more brown. As the oils in the absinthe are agitated by the cold water melting off the ice the liquid becomes milky white. An effect I thought was pretty cool. In days of yore a sugar cube was melted over the absinthe our pourer explained this was to counteract the bad taste of poorly made absinthe. We did not get a sugar cube, though I think I may prefer it with the sugar. The absinthe tastes pretty much like a glass of anise or black licorice with a slight numbing to the tongue. I can't imagine sitting down and quaffing a glass of stuff but "chacun a son gout". I'm glad I had a chance to try the absinthe and know I have absolutely no desire to purchase a bottle. Overall a decent way to spend a rainy Sunday, tasting something new.