Grande Absente Absinthe Originale

Grande Absente Absinthe Originale is true verte absinthe at full strength — 750mL at 69% ABV (138 proof), distilled in Provence by Distilleries et Domaines de Provence from authentic grand wormwood plus around a dozen botanicals, in the style of absinthe's 19th-century heyday — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV: 69% vol (138 proof)
• Size: 750mL
• Style: true wormwood absinthe (verte) — a distilled spirit, not a liqueur
• Producer: Distilleries et Domaines de Provence, Forcalquier, France — founded 1898
• Recipe: pre-ban style (1860–1912); Artemisia absinthium (grand wormwood), green anise, sweet fennel, peppermint, lemon balm, and more
• Character: less sweet and more wormwood-forward than the 55% ABV Absente sibling

Absinthe as It Was Before the Ban

Before the 1915 ban, absinthe was the green hour's drink across France — and Grande Absente is built on a recipe from that era: a full measure of wormwood, traditional alembic distillation, the classic botanical cast of anise, fennel, and lemon balm. Next to the entry-level Absente (55% ABV), this is the stronger, drier, more wormwood-driven expression. See more from Absente, or explore the store's absinthe and spirits shelves.

Tasting Notes

Licorice candy and heavy anise on the nose with less fennel; the palate is candylike but blazing hot neat — water adds a moderate louche and dulls the heat, leaving straightforward anise informed by red berry fruit and a note of ginger (Drinkhacker, 2020 review, Grade B+). A nicely balanced aroma of wormwood, mint, anise, and lemon balm.

How to Enjoy

The classic serve: 1 part absinthe to 3–5 parts ice-cold water, dripped over a sugar cube, watching the louche bloom. At 138 proof, dilution isn't optional — it's the drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is absinthe?
A wormwood-based distilled spirit — grand wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) plus anise, fennel, and herbs — not a liqueur.

How do you drink absinthe?
Diluted 1:3 to 1:5 with ice-cold water, traditionally dripped over a sugar cube; the water turns it cloudy green — the "louche."

What is the difference between Grande Absente and Absente?
Grande Absente is 69% ABV / 138 proof with more wormwood and less sugar; the standard Absente is 55% ABV and sweeter.

Is absinthe legal in the US?
Yes — this bottle is US-compliant. (The exact thujone figure is not published.)

The green hour, at full strength: order Grande Absente Absinthe Originale online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.