Thanks. Great pics!

Deluge, you are making me cry. I hate you.

Especially that 5th pic, wow! Oh to be there...

I think I've been on those steps as well. But at the time I didn't know anything about absinthe.

Man, CO has come along way since MWLF '04, eh, buddy?!

Great pics, indeed!

Is this one I should try? The "made for cocktails" is kind of throwing me off. Is it made stronger in taste or something? What's the closest absinthe you would compare this to? 1901? Verte Suisse? Eich?

It is most certainly one to try and to love. Easily in the top 10 and higher than that in my estimation. I think it's better than Ike (which I love) and comparable to the Jades (which I also love).

What T said.

I'd compare it very favorably to the 1901. There's not as much emphasis on fennel, but there's a really full, and rounded spiciness that is mouth-coating in a really good way (It's never cloying despite its very long finish, just savory, and delicious). The mouthfeel isn't quite as thick as the 1901, but in this case, that's a good thing, and it's definitely on the creamy side.

That translates to "Weeeeeeeeee!", right?

Ah, Yes...
Weeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

I second that.

i must say this thread has convinced me and i just placed my order for the Marteau and a bottle of Montmarte

I was really hoping to hear the soundtrack to those photos. Looks like a wonderful time.

I SO look forward to ordering again in the New Year. I've been a very good boy in keeping my promise to the other half in concentrating, exclusively, on our trip to Asia in 3 weeks however, I find it very difficult to not be part of the frenzy here. My OCD will kick in and I'm gonna order another big batch of sumtin' once that clock strikes! Can't wait to have your deliciousness in my arsenal, Hiram cheers:

The "made for cocktails" is about the choice of botanicals used and in what proportions.

A blend of different cultivars of fennel and the inclusion of some less common botanicals give it a unique character when blended with other spirits that you wouldn't ordinarily get with most other absinthes. It's not radically different, it's a classic verte. I just didn't intend to clone a pre-ban brand, I wanted to create what would have stood as it's own unique brand in the pre-ban era; one that would bring an interesting and pleasant nuance when used in cocktails.

It's real nice when used in a classic Sazerac.

Speaking of which, anyone pick up this book yet?

I'm enjoying it thoroughly.

Warning Warning! I'll also be posting some Paris pics when I get back in January. I haven't seen much mention of Le Marteau being available at Verte d'Absinthe, which is where I'm getting my fix (plus Belle Amie and Mystique). Look for the pics in the New Year, eh?

Will do and look forward to it!

Maybe you should PM Deluge. He seems to have found some. Looks like he had a pretty good afternoon too.

I'm having a excellent glass of hammer as I type this .......... but I wish I was in Paris listening to Deluge serenade the masses. oh well I can dream .....

So, from what I know, the french version is lower in Fennel (because of the fucking stupid french regulations about fenchone).
I've only tried the "international" version so far, but I would be curious to have a side by side tasting session to see if the difference is noticeable. Someone on the french forum didn't really notice the fennel of the french version, whereas I could taste it perfectly.
Hiram, have you sampled both ?

OK, so I ordered two "Absinthe Marteau Verte Classique" and I notice the description on the back is all German or Swiss. Any chance of an English translation? Also, at the next green hour, can we bring empties to be autographed? Or is that is what's called "state's evidence"?

Regarding the label. I notice the Swiss cross and what is now being referred to as "the Hammer". The other one looks like a gavel. Is this a Mason thing or what? I know you probably put a lot of thought into the label, so I would be interested in hearing about the process.

Also, is it true Prototype 33 is yours? I am keeping the bottle. Could be collectible.

I have not tasted it yet. Putting it off, perhaps Christmas?

I have not in fact tasted the "French version" yet. It shouldn't be substantially different, since it really doesn't take a lot of adjusting to make the difference.Sure if you want--for what it's worth.It's a reference to Masonic ideals, but the crossed gavels aren't specifically a Masonic symbol. There's a description up-thread somewhere, or in the other Marteau thread. Yep.

The first glass I had immediately after I opened the bottle had that fennel funky smell and taste that I easily recognized from the Matter distillery.
Now that it has aired a little, profile has changed and I must admit that it's damn good and well balanced, in a floral and complex way. The aromas are explosive, undescribable.
That's something I would drink regularly if I had a six-pack of it, as a change from classically profiled absinthes.

Review up, tasty stuff




Per my review title, I was curious about the Masonic symbolism used on the label. Marteau translates to Hammer, but then again it also could just be a name. And iirc isn't Hiram the name of a gavel? Questions questions! Perfect material to consider over a tasty absinthe!

You might want to check the profile of its creator.

I vaguely remember a conversation with our beloved Hiram about the design in NOLA. Mind I was a bit tipsy at the time.

If I remember correctly, there is a Masonic influence. Something about the fruits of the mind and of labor combined.

Of course, he could have just been humoring the drunk blonde at his shoulder.

Keenly observant.

Maybe Hiram is a Mason....

Ya think?

Well I see the league of smartasses is out in force this evening

Sir, that would be The League of Extraordinary Smartasses.

You misspelled enormous.