Absente Absinthe Refined

Absente Absinthe Refined is a 750mL French absinthe bottled at 55% ABV (110 proof), made in Forcalquier, Provence by Distilleries et Domaines de Provence — a house founded in 1898 — from a beet neutral spirit base macerated and distilled with wormwood and companion botanicals. Importer Crillon brought it to the United States in 1999, and the brand presents it as the first absinthe legally sold in the US since the 1912 ban, made to some of the oldest absinthe recipes with artisanal methods. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.

• ABV: 55% (110 proof)
• Size: 750mL
• Botanicals: Grande wormwood, green anise, star anise, lemon balm, peppermint, mugwort, plus spices
• Base: Beet neutral spirit (US importer descriptor)
• Origin: Distilleries et Domaines de Provence, Forcalquier, France

The Green Fairy, Back From the Ban

Absinthe was banned in the United States in 1912, and for most of the century the wormwood spirit survived only as legend. Crillon Importers' Michel Roux selected a recipe from a large group of old absinthe recipes and introduced Absente in early 1999 — the first absinthe legally available in the US since the ban, per the importer. Behind it stands Distilleries et Domaines de Provence, making aperitifs and liqueurs in Forcalquier since 1898 by maceration and distillation of botanicals, wormwood first among them. See more of the range on the Absente vendor page, or browse our liqueurs collection.

Tasting Notes

Per the importer and producer: a subtle aroma of absinthe with anise, mint and spices; aniseed first on the palate, then a more structured middle from the mugwort, finishing fresh and spicy with absinthe, lemon balm and mint — sweet and approachable for a wormwood spirit, and it louches, turning cloudy and opalescent, when cold water is added.

How to Enjoy

Serve it the classic way — diluted with iced water, with a sugar cube dissolved through a slotted absinthe spoon — or on the rocks, and use it by the rinse or teaspoon in aromatic cocktails such as the Sazerac. More classic cocktail spirits are in our spirits collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Absente contain real wormwood and thujone?
Yes — grande wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is its headline botanical, and the importer states a thujone content of up to 10 mg/kg at 110 proof, within the US limit.

What proof is Absente Absinthe Refined?
110 proof (55% ABV) in the US 750mL bottling; the same liquid is sold in Europe as "Absente 55" in 70cl.

How do you drink absinthe?
Traditionally diluted with iced water (it louches as it dilutes), often with a sugar cube dissolved through a slotted spoon; it is also used in small amounts in cocktails such as the Sazerac.

Provence's wormwood classic, at full 110 proof — order Absente Absinthe Refined online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.