What does absinthe taste like?

The question of absintheâ�™s flavor is a surprisingly difficult one to answer. The taste of absinthe cannot be related to that of any other libation. Although absinthe has a very high alcoholic content, the hint of alcohol is hard to distinguish.

If I were to pin down the flavor of absinthe, I would say that it tastes like mentholated black licorice that has been turned into a hard candy, melted and then watered down.

Of course much of the flavor depends on absintheâ�™s preparation. I always use the traditional French preparation, which involves placing a sugar cube (or cubes) over a slotted spoon and dripping ice-cold water through the sugar. Absinthe is quite bitter and without the sugar it has a sharp bite.

Traditional absinthe connoisseurs will tell you that the flavor of absinthe varies depending on the complexities of the herbs and botanical ingredients it is distilled with. I believe the overall composition of absinthe is effected by itâ�™s specific ingredients, but the general taste is familiar in all premium brands.

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What does absinthe taste like?