Vieux Carré Absinthe Supérieure Review

Absinthe: the forbidden drink. Nobody has any well documented proof as to why it was so “forbidden” except to trace its origins back to the days before prohibition when we “got dumb” and forgot that science defines logic not suspicion and rumor. There is nothing wrong with Absinthe, which is why it’s now legal in the United States again. Secondly, there is nothing wrong with Vieux Carré Absinthe Supérieure and I’m going to tell you why.

First, as a good green absinthe should, Vieux Carré pours green like a rich dark grass. Based on the histories of the spirit, this product shows true heritage in its color and doesn’t portray cheapness or artificial coloring. Louche the absinthe over a little sugar cube with a nice fine drip and you’ll see it continues to hold its great colors with a slightly foggy yet transparent lime coloring.

Unlike the Lucid Absinthe, which gave off a white milky cloud, Vieux Carré brings a brighter green like an overripe lime peel. Taking nothing away form Lucid, this absinthe just brings its own unique glory to the table. Enough on the color, you get the idea, it’s green.

The nose of Vieux Carré Absinthe is very herbal with beautiful anise, fennel and slight mint notes. The scent alone gives you some earthy tones reminding me of a walk through a leafy garden with light spices healing me as I move. Vieux Carré Absinthe tells a story and you need to stand there and listen. Impressive.

For those that haven’t had absinthe, the most obvious definition for the liquid is “sambuca-like” or “black licorice” with a toned down sweetness. Replace the sugar sweets with herbs and spices and you’ve got “tea meets sambuca” and, if that doesn’t get your senses going, you’re probably not a fan of the fennel/anise flavorings.

Vieux Carré exhibits great cola-flavorings on the mid-palate transition but begins with a numbing herbal build up which will finish with a touch of Eucalyptus meets fennel. I found nice acidic flavorings, which I believe is the wormwood plant talking to me. My tongue has a slightly numbing feeling from tip to the back of the palate which is interesting and unique in this style of spirit. Unlike the fire you may get from a potent vodka or a “rough” rum, this spirit is smooth and numbing.

If you’re looking to expand your palate and explain away the rumors of absinthe, you’ll want to try Vieux Carré Supérieure. You’ll find it on retail stores for an estimated price of USD $60 to USD $67. Don’t be afraid, be an everyday drinker and give it a try tonight!