This absinthe has undergone a remarkable transformation from the original version. The remarkably complex spicy flavor is still there, but it's much more balanced, and smooth than its predecessor. There is no longer a metallic, or burnt edge, and the louche is fuller (although patience is needed, and I would a suggest somewhere around a ten minute drip to achieve a decent opalescent, but not really thick or creamy louche).



There is definitely more than a tangential resemblance between the Marteau Verte Classique, and this 1797...the unusual herb profile bears this out...the differences are the following...the Marteau is brighter, overall, but also a little sweeter on balance (befitting an ideal absinthe cocktail mixer), while the Roquette is a little drier (and more minty/bitter, reflecting its more wormwood-based origins). Bottomline, both are wonderful!

*Received as sample in absinthe explore set from absinthes.com

Appearance - Clear, attractive, and natural. In fact, it was the most obviously "natural" color among our samples - there is nothing artificial about its appearance.

Louche - While pleasant enough, Roquette doesn't put on the spectacular show that some of the other samples provided. However, once louched, it was correct in appearance: not too opaque or translucent.

Aroma - This was the point when we knew we had something special. The aroma of the herbs in perfect balance filled the entire room. As soon as the water hit the absinthe, it was as if we had fallen into an herb garden.

Flavor - Extremely interesting. This is not what we had pictured when we thought of "absinthe" (wormwood and anise). This is much more complex with many more colors going on aside from the usual suspects. To be so rich and complex, it is extraordinarily well-balanced. There is nothing that stands out too much and overshadows the other players - everything complements the product as a whole.

Finish - Long-lasting and pleasant herbal finish. It definitely adds to the experience.

Overall - Of our ten samples, this was the favorite. Although it was vastly different than the other absinthes, there was something "extra" with this one. It is definitely not typical or pedestrian, but truly felt artisanal as opposed to a mass produced product. This will definitely have a home in our collection.

This is one of my favorite absinthes. It has a very different nose and flavor from many anise-heavy (if not anise-overloaded) absinthes of modern manufacture. Upon opening the bottle, the scent of wormwood is very pronounced and pleasant. Rather than overwhelming, the effect is alluring and intriguing like incense.
I don't put much value on louche. The more anise, the denser the louche, and the more exciting to watch it form (depending on what excites you). Compared to others, this absinthe has a light, unexciting-to-watch louche because there is less anise. Big deal. I have lava lamps for that.
On the tongue the wormwood becomes regal and dominates easily, while the anise/fennel flavors follow it at a respectful distance, in perfect compliment, like footmen carrying the monarch's train. Tasting this was a very enjoyable drinking experience, all the way to the last few sips.

Color - Light green and natural looking.



Louche - Thin. A very slow drip does improve it but it still didn't get where I wanted it.



Aroma (Before louche) - Upon first opening the bottle the alcohol (not surprisingly) dominated all else. After getting some air into it the spicy, herbaceous notes came forward.



Aroma (After louche) - These spicy herbaceous notes poured out during the louche. Not room filling but it makes it's presence known.



Flavor - I wouldn't quite call this an herbal bomb like the original batch of 1797, but it certainly maintains that crisp, herbaceous tonic character. This time around it has better balance as the flavors are more well rounded. I thought it was delicious.



Overall - Obviously a quality made product and among my favorites.

Color is a nice, clear peridot. Nothing too striking but quite proper. For the amount of alcohol present, the neat aroma is surprisingly not as overpowering as one would expect with the unmistakable scent of Pontarlier wormwood right up front. The louche forms nicely and results in something thick and lovely. The taste itself if earthy, woody, powdery... lovely bitter wormwood. In fact, I taste lots of wormwood the first few sips - but things become more balanced and sweet as the glass goes on. The flavor is quite enjoyable and fun to explore seeing as how it does tend to shift somewhat over the course of a glass... an adventurous spirit :)

I do perceive where many of these reviews detect a "medicinal" quality to this absinthe. It is there... but I don't find it distracting at all. I'd like to view this aspect to be more of a wild or untamed attribute to this particular brand.


5/28/14 update: Seems I've gotten a bad bottle for my second. I've taken down the scores for flavor and finish, and the overall score has been lowered significantly. I wouldn't buy another bottle until we are assured that the problems with Roquette batches has been sorted out. A real shame :(