Absinthe Roundup: Jade CF Berger, Jade 1901, and Jade Esprit Edouard
Absinthe may have been the fastest rising and most rapidly falling fad in booze since Zima (when’s the last time you had a glass?), but let’s not forget our heritage: Absinthe is a spirit of critical import to the history of the (drinking) world, sullied alas by Americans jonesing for modern-day recreations of the stuff after a century of it being banned here. Can’t blame ’em, but now there’s a flood of absinthe on the market, some good, some not.
Fortunately there are folks like Ted Breaux, who brought Lucid into the U.S. in 2007 as (arguably) the first post-ban absinthe in the U.S, who is now bringing high-end absinthe into the country in the form of three European products released there in 2005. Jade C. F. Berger, Jade 1901, and Jade Esprit Edouard aren’t cheap, but they’re meant to accurately recreate the character of three famed 19th century absinthes that have long been unavailable (but which Breaux has stocks of), right down to the labels. They join Nouvelle Orleans in the company’s “Vintage” line.
Now I’ve never tried the original spirits upon which these are based, so these reviews are based only on their merits (and vs. other modern absinthes). Thoughts follow. (Material in quotes is material provided by Jade’s creators at Viridian Spirits.)
Jade C. F. Berger Absinthe Superieure – “C. F. Berger absinthe verte, originally produced by C. F. Berger in Couvet, Switzerland. Considered one of the premier absinthes of the 19th century, it is in the Swiss style, characterized by a bold bouquet; full-bodied, rounded mouthfeel; and distinct herbal notes that linger on the palate.” The lightest in color of this trio, in the high-test world of absinthe it’s practically easygoing. Light lemon and lime notes, with a solid anise slug backing it up. I wouldn’t describe it as particularly herbal, but rather fruity and simple instead, albeit with a lasting finish. Minimal louche. I actually prefer it with just water, no sugar. 130 proof. B+ [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Jade 1901 Absinthe Superieure “is a tribute to the best known and most widely sampled pre-ban absinthe, which was originally produced around 1901, but then virtually wiped out when the original distillery in Pontarlier was destroyed by fire. Jade 1901 is a classic absinthe, balanced and crisp, with an appetizing herbal aroma and a smooth, lingering aftertaste.” Very mild. With sugar and water, it’s almost like a pastis, pleasant, refreshing, and easygoing. After awhile, I found the finish turning a touch bitter, like a dried herbal character. Lovely louche. 136 proof. B [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Jade Esprit Edouard Absinthe Superieure “is a faithful reproduction of one of the most famous and highly regarded Belle Époque absinthes. A century after the demise of the original, Breaux examined perfectly preserved examples of the renowned spirit to develop a contemporary recipe that captures the original’s delicate tint, refined texture, and exquisitely smooth flavor.” A chartreuse monster, one sip straight nearly knocked me off the couch. Don’t skimp on the water here, for when it’s prepared correctly this absinthe offers a unique earthiness, echoing the aromas and flavors of the forest. Unique, you’ll find citrus notes, moderately strong floral characteristics, and a lasting, bittersweet finish. Beautiful, iridescent yellow louche. The best of this bunch, and at a blazing 144 proof. A- [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
each $100 / bestabsinthe.com
Jade C. F. Berger Absinthe Superieure
$100
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All three of those sound interesting and tasty in their own way, but I’m just not so sure about all three having the same pricetag. So, how do they compare to say, Lucid or Mansinthe? I actually really enjoy Mansinthe, despite it being a celebrity-based liquor. Good reviews, though!
Generally better than Lucid. Have never reviewed Mansinthe, though.
Thanks to Ted Breaux & his team who fought to abolish the ban on Absinthe in the US, all the other makers of so called Absinthes can now jump on the band wagon. All of Ted’s Absinthes are made in Saumur, France, in the same copper vessels that were used to make Absinthe 100+ years ago. If you want the real thing, $100 a bottle is well worth it.
I’ve ordered Jade PF1901, Jade Esprit Edouard Absinthe Superieure, and Absinthe Jade VS 1898. I can’t wait to get them! I have nothing but high praise and great respect for Ted Breaux and his work with recreating the great authentic absinthes!
I drank a whole bottle of the 1901 and it hit me like a freight train I was spinning and I didn’t make it to the bathroom in time and sharted myself as I was vomiting on my friends couch it was like a horrible dream that wouldn’t stop until I woke up in jail the next morning, the police told me they got a call about a naked man in a cowboy hat with fences all over him running through Walmart screaming come on boys I know you want me and by the time they showed up I had a crowd cheering me on as I break danced naked, I tried calling my friend who’s house I was at the night before to come get me out of jail and he has disowned me so I think next time I’ll try the Eduardo and probably not drink the whole bottle in one sitting?