Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The New York Times Rates Absinthes

Today's New York Times article rating absinthes manages to break through the hype and bad rep and actually do a tasting. While not completely moronic like The Wall Street Journal's attempt published Saturday (seriously? Mata Hari?!), they omit a few-- both good and bad-- and I generally disagree with their ratings. Still, it's good to see people trying to take it seriously.

La Clandestine, Nouvelle-Orléans, and Emile Pernot (should be listed as Vieux Pontarlier) should be at the top. Surprising that they chose not to rate four American-made absinthes (though they may have tasted them, and they did rate St. George)-- Vieux Carré, Absinthe Marteau, and Absinthe Pacifique are delicious and authentic, and while I have only tried an early batch of Leopold Brothers, which I didn't care for, I hear newer batches are much improved.

Update: I forgot to mention two other American-made absinthes (of which I have no opinion-- I've tasted neither) by Delaware Phoenix. All of the American-made absinthes are available at DrinkUpNY.com-- a vendor that has satisfied the itch very nicely lately...:)

7 comments:

  1. I'm still shaking my head over this article. It seems they just have some PR guys paying people to write these pieces. Im surprised Lucid made the list, but even more surprised Kubler gets number one.

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  2. from the times article, I like the oscar wilde quote:
    “After the first glass, you see things as you wish they were. fter the second you see things as they are not. Finally you see things as they really are, and that is the most horrible thing in the world.”

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  3. "La Clandestine, Nouvelle-Orléans, and Emile Pernot (should be listed as Vieux Pontarlier) should be at the top."

    Thanks, Salsa: you will be nominated to the taste panel for my blog!

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  4. I highly recommend the two Delaware Phoenix absinthes - they are my current favorites. Amazing that these early batches are apparently made in a 5 liter alambic!

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  5. I don't remember precisely what size her still is, but I have a photo of it in my interview with her(check my profile for link). Dinky, but each batch is produced with loving care.:)

    I've been enjoying Meadow of Love for a few days and just cracked Walton Waters...incredibly tasty!

    Salsa, keep a close eye on DUNY if you're looking to snag a bottle because they sell out very quickly!

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  6. I've ordered and am anxiously awaiting a bottle, thanks for the suggestion! Pacifique on the way too...:P

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  7. I've never tried Absinthe, but I would very much like to. Thanks for the great blog!

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