Herbsaint Original Formula Anise Liqueur (75cl, 50%)

Herbsaint Original Formula is an anise liqueur from the Sazerac Company in New Orleans, bottled at 50% vol in a 75cl bottle. It follows the 1934 recipe of J. Marion Legendre, who made an American absinthe substitute after studying distillation in France. It is made by macerating fresh herbs, chiefly star anise, fennel and wormwood, in neutral spirit, then distilling and blending with further botanicals. Fresh herbs are used rather than essential oils, which gives a deeper anise character than the standard bottling. The nose is concentrated anise and fennel with green herbs and a hint of wormwood bitterness. The palate is boldly anise-led, with vanilla, caramel, mint and a viscous texture. The finish is long and warming, ending in dry liquorice and white pepper.