Balance pours exactly peridot green. It's so nice it seems like it has to be artificial. Crystal clear. The louche is slightly too fast but otherwise gorgeous. An exquisitely defined, three-tiered louche with thickest on the bottom and unlouched on the top. The result is an absolutely beautiful pale green with lots of nuance and complexity. The aroma is tangy and floral. It almost seems to have a star anise presence but it's not obtrusive or annoying. Pontica and hyssop are detectable. The first thing I taste is a big coriander presence which gives way to strong, minty wormwood. Anise and pontica blend and become almost candylike. The Balance is creamy, but not mouth-coating. Finish is mostly wormwood and fennel and is long-lasting, finishing with a flavour reminiscent of tea leaves. I really enjoy this absinthe.