St. George Absinthe Verte (60%)

St. George Absinthe Verte was the first legal American absinthe released after the ban was lifted in 2007. It is bottled at 60% and made without artificial ingredients. Wormwood, fennel and star anise are infused in brandy and distilled in a 1,500-litre copper pot still. The distillate then receives a second infusion of mint, tarragon, opal basil, lemon balm, hyssop and stinging nettle, which gives it an emerald green that turns to a feuille morte hue with time. It opens with spicy black liquorice, then moves towards citrus and grass with a note of sarsaparilla. It is rich and viscous on the palate. A single large ice cube or a little water brings out a milky louche.