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11 February, 2014

Ridge Distillery Absinthe Blanche

Comments : 3 Posted in : Absinthe on by : The Gourmez

Ridge Distillery Absinthe Blanche
Kalispell, MT
116 proof

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This absinthe is completely clear, as I’d imagine the blanche designation indicates. It has few legs to speak of when swirling it in the glass and is a completely blank slate based on appearance. Its particular anise smell reminds me of the thick, black, candy bites of licorice mixed with a dose of peppermint oil. There is no notable alcohol heat when sniffing, which is a good thing for me.

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Sipping it straight is all cinnamon, a Red Hot without the sweetness. The missing alcohol heat from the nose is in full effect: you taste cinnamon, feel a wave of heat, then feel your tongue tingle. In other words, I would not recommend drinking it prior to the louche unless you’re looking for a stiffer version of Goldschlager.

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After the louche, no color changes occur except the expected milkiness. Thankfully, the anise flavor that was imprisoned by the straight sip has been released. However, all other potential flavor enhancers are now subdued. Almost all I taste is sugar (I used one cube during the louche) and very subtle anise. That’s not enough to warrant this bottle’s price tag for me.  Perhaps there is a difference in style for crafting a blanche absinthe that I need to read up on…and avoid. This was my first.

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Other Bloggers’ Thoughts:

I didn’t find any straight up reviews of the Ridge Distillery Absinthe Blanche, but Sass and Gin made up this Goody Two Shoes cocktail featuring it, and Absinthe.FM has good things to say about it in concert with Ridge Distillery’s Absinthe Verte, which is considered a top US-made absinthe by many:

I am delighted to say that they are both excellent, right up there with my favorite Euro brands. Wonderful aromas (the blanche reminds me of the Essai line from the Matter Distillery), great color on the verte, and full, rich flavor with both. My hat’s off to Joe and the Ridge Distillery for finally putting the USA in the running with Europe.

Reviewed 13 Jan 14.

3s COMMENTS

3 thoughts on : Ridge Distillery Absinthe Blanche

  • March 13, 2014 at 1:54 pm

    I haven’t had this particular blanche (but do enjoy the Ridge/Vilya verte) – I’d recommend never using sugar for a blanche. In fact, I rarely use sugar any longer for anything (as most will not need it) but definitely wouldn’t for a blanche at all. Too much water or too much sugar both severely effect the experience 🙂

    • March 14, 2014 at 2:13 pm

      I’m still experimenting with when I do or don’t want to use sugar–I have a better tolerance for strong stuff than a lot of women typically do, but this one was too bitter without the sugar and too uninteresting with it for me. I also later tried using less water, going for a 1:1 rather than a 1:3, and that did not work for me at all. I’m still hopefully I’ll enjoy their traditional version when I get to trying it!

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