Well, I took the plunge and had my first glass tonight -- Pacifique. Woo-hoo!
First impressions:
Woo-hoo!
Color was a lot yellower than I expected. Yellow with a touch of green -- I had expected it to be the other way around. (Maybe it was the light.)
I diluted to something like 3.5:1 or 4:1. Will dilute more next time (see below).
Loucheing was fun!
The flavors were more subtle and restrained than I had expected. Definite aniseed, noticeable fennel seed, and noticeable something-minty-ish-with-an-edge that I assume is wormwood. If there were other herbs or spices there, I couldn't pick them out. The taste was very nice.
Mouthfeel was light and airy.
There was a long aftertaste of anise and fennel that lasted through most of Downton Abbey. For me, this was the best part of the experience (and not a bad way to watch a soap).
I also had a quite a bit of tongue numbness. Not unpleasant, but noticeable, and it lasted even longer than the aftertaste. Which is why I think I will go to 5:1 next time.
I did not add sugar. There was a faint bitterness to the taste, which I actually enjoyed. I will try it sweetened sometime. (I take my coffee unsweetened or sweetened, depending on the coffee and my mood. I imagine the same will apply to absinthe.)
Overall first impression: Woo-hoo!