St. George Absinthe
St. George Absinthe — full name St. George Absinthe Verte — is a 60% ABV (120 proof), 750mL absinthe from St. George Spirits of Alameda, California, the first legal American absinthe released after the US ban was lifted in 2007. It starts as unaged grape brandy infused with wormwood, fennel and star anise, distilled in a copper pot still, then infused a second time with mint, tarragon, Genovese basil, lemon balm, hyssop and stinging nettle. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 60% (120 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Style: Absinthe verte
- Base: Unaged grape brandy, copper pot distilled
- Botanicals: Wormwood, fennel, star anise, then mint, tarragon, Genovese basil, lemon balm, hyssop, stinging nettle
- Colour: Natural emerald, shifting to feuille morte with light; no artificial colouring
- Origin: Alameda, California, USA
The Absinthe That Reopened America
St. George Spirits, founded in 1982 as an eau de vie distillery, spent the ban years developing its absinthe recipe so it was ready the moment the law changed: in 2007 its Absinthe Verte became the first legal American absinthe since the ban was instated in 1912. Its green is real — chlorophyll from the second botanical infusion, which fades over time in light to a dead-leaf feuille morte hue, exactly as a naturally coloured absinthe should. Find it among our liqueurs, browse the full spirits collection, or visit the St. George vendor page.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Spicy black licorice opening out to citrus and grass, with sarsaparilla. Palate: Rich and viscous from abundant essential oils, even at full proof. Finish: Herbal and floral, deepening as water brings out the louche.
How to Enjoy
The producer's guidance: a single large ice cube, or water added until it louches — the milky clouding that deepens the floral aroma. No sugar needed. It also works in dashes anywhere a cocktail calls for an anise spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first American absinthe after the ban? St. George Absinthe Verte, released in 2007 when the US ban lifted — the distillery had developed the recipe during the ban years so it could launch immediately.
Why does St. George Absinthe change colour? Its green comes from real chlorophyll in the second botanical infusion, with no artificial colouring; light breaks the chlorophyll down over time, shifting the colour toward a feuille morte (dead-leaf) tone.
How strong is St. George Absinthe? 60% ABV (120 proof), bottled at full absinthe strength — it is made to be diluted with water or a large ice cube.
Own the bottle that brought absinthe back to America — order St. George Absinthe online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
