Having tried and enjoyed immensely four authentic absinthes and two U.S. available substitute absinthes (Pernod and Absente), which were also enjoyable, curiousity got the better of me. I purchased a bottle of the King of Spirits Gold. The color is an unpleasant yellowish-green or greenish-yellow with plant matter in the bottom of the bottle. The louche is non-existent. Aroma? There is barely a hint of licorice. Taste? This has to be the most vile tasting alcoholic concoction I have ever tasted. It tastes like turpentine. As for finish it leaves a taste reminiscent of gasoline. Overall? STAY AWAY!! When I think of the other absinthes I could have purchased with the $225.00 I WASTED on this...stuff. I'm going to stand in the corner for a few hours.