La Valote has a fine clarity and color, with only a slight amount of haziness. Unfortunately, it also has a pungent odor that I don’t care for. The scent of grassiness (or even earthiness, as BR suggests above) is overwhelming to me prior to loucheing, although it thankfully calms down almost completely with watering.

The louche was present and well-defined without being either oily or milky, but it was over very quickly.

La Valote's taste, while acceptible, is that of a simple, “stripped down” bitterness. It was not unpleasant, but it was unremarkable. This absinthe is also easily overwatered, so be careful with your ratios (I found that 4:1 was as far as it could go). The finish was sound, but very short to the point of hardly being there, barely eking out a 3 in this category.

Overall, La Valote is a decent, drinkable absinthe which could use some significant tweaking in its formulation.