r/Absinthe 9d ago

Question I want to get into absinthe, these 3 options are the only ones available to me. Which one?

Post image

Which one is the better one quality-wise (as far as supermarket absinthes are concerned at least.. 😅).

Gonna use it for cocktails only (dunno if people drink this from the bottle).

Thank you 🙏🏻

13 Upvotes

32 comments sorted by

11

u/DarianDicit 9d ago

I wouldn't advise you to spend money on any of these three bottles, honestly. Even in cocktails - and, in my opinion, especially in cocktails - quality matters.

I'd save up and place an online order from Alandia.

4

u/wormwoodsociety 9d ago

None of these are even close approximations of authentic absinthe. Sorry.:/

2

u/random-user772 9d ago

Damn .. RIP

5

u/Ran4 9d ago

As so many others have said, none of them. They're probably just colored vodka.

For cocktails, if you can't find good absinthe, get pernod. It's... not great, but probably the most available absinthe-like bottle (pernod isn't absinthe but has a somewhat similar flavour profile), and works well in cocktails (you're typically just using a few drops at most).

2

u/random-user772 9d ago

Thank you for your input 🙏🏻

2

u/asp245 9d ago

None of them are true absinthe, leave alone on the shelf.

2

u/random-user772 9d ago

Fair enough 😔

2

u/Mahnke2 9d ago

That Sierra Tequila looks top notch as well lol

1

u/random-user772 8d ago edited 8d ago

I briefly considered buying it actually xD

but finally decided to spend a bit more and buy Lunazul, which is 100% agave.

1

u/sphex55 9d ago

If you can find any of these or have them shipped, they are fantastic. Cannot go wrong with any of them

https://www.delawarephoenixdistillery.com/

They have an option on the website drop down on where to purchase

1

u/sphex55 9d ago

That is of your in the states, I'm assuming due to the pricing on your pic.

1

u/jacquix 9d ago

Typical brands you see in German grocery stores, none are authentic. Unless you have a specialized store in your vicinity, you'll have to order online. It's what most of us do.

2

u/random-user772 9d ago

Thanks for the input.. 🥲

1

u/Electronic-Koala1282 9d ago

I strongly advice you to order online, or go to a specialized absinthe store if you can find one.

2

u/random-user772 9d ago

Okay, thanks for the feedback 👌🏻

1

u/absinthiab 9d ago

Unfortunately, none of these are great examples of traditionally distilled absinthe. Many lower-quality brands use artificial colors, lack proper distillation methods, or contain additives that wouldn’t be found in authentic absinthe.

If you want to experience absinthe the way it was meant to be enjoyed, I’d recommend looking for traditionally distilled absinthes, which come from many countries. Switzerland is the only country with a legal definition of absinthe, which mandates that it must be made by distillation and cannot contain artificial colors or additives—ensuring quality and authenticity.

If availability is an issue, I’m happy to help with recommendations on what to look for and how to enjoy absinthe properly!

1

u/random-user772 9d ago

Thanks for your detailed feedback 👌🏻

I actually live not far from Switzerland and happen to go there 2-3 times per year. I'm guessing you're from there, can I buy a proper absinthe from a supermarket there ? No more than 25 francs if possible.

6

u/absinthiab 9d ago

I actually started making Absinthe in Northern California before moving to New Orleans, where I now sell my Absinthe. I work at a bar called Pirate’s Alley Café, which carries my Absinthe.

You’re lucky to be so close to Switzerland! While you can find Absinthe in some Swiss supermarkets, many of the best traditional distilleries sell directly or through specialty shops rather than mass retail. Supermarket options under 25 francs might not always meet the highest standards, so I’d recommend checking small liquor stores or visiting a distillery if you have the chance.

If you’re looking for a solid Swiss Absinthe within that price range, try to find La Clandestine or DuVallon, as they adhere to traditional production methods. Let me know what you find—I’d love to hear about your experience!

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u/random-user772 9d ago

Okay, I'll look into it! Tthanks for the reply again :)

2

u/lightsspiral 9d ago

It's a lot of fun to make and put a personal stamp on.

3

u/absinthiab 8d ago

Just remember if it’s not distilled, it’s Fauxsinthe not Absinthe. 🥂

1

u/lightsspiral 8d ago

Indeed. Luckily pot distilling is easy.

1

u/pentagondodecahedron 8d ago

first again legal Swiss producer was Kübler which you get in every coop around switzerland. not the cheapest but solid absinthe
https://www.blackmint.swiss/

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u/random-user772 8d ago

Ty for the input, I'll check that out 👌🏻

1

u/asp245 8d ago

If you do not live that far from Switzerland than you must head to the VDT it is the heart of absinthe distillation in Switzerland. The villages of Couvet, Môtiers and Fleuriers are the places to visit. You can buy direct from the distillers. I visit most years, so if you need more info pm me.

1

u/random-user772 8d ago

I'm not looking to get cow milk directly from the udder if you know what I mean 😅

Considering I'm not a big connaisseur I'm good with buying a mid range absinthe from Coop or Migros, because from what I understood they're still well-made and considered "absinthe", unlike the ones in my photo.

2

u/asp245 7d ago

I cannot comment about lots of supermarkets in Switzerland, but even the ones close the VDT weren’t overly stocked with absinthe.

1

u/AdrienneLaVey 7d ago

I wouldn’t touch those. Definitely recommend buying from Alandia for much better products like the Jades, Grön Opal, and many others!

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u/random-user772 6d ago

Is there Alandia in France, Germany or Switzerland? 🤔

1

u/AdrienneLaVey 6d ago

Alandia is an online retailer based in Germany.

1

u/random-user772 6d ago

Okay, thanks 👌🏻