Ordinaire 苦艾酒

I was worried this would taste like the harsh stuff I tried years ago, but the sweet anise and star anise keep it smooth and almost creamy. The louche kicks in nicely with cold water, and that slow drip ritual alone makes it worth the shelf space.

The mugwort and sweet balm give it an earthy, herbal complexity that most anisettes completely lack, and the star anise lingers just right. I’ve been savoring it slowly over ice.

I was expecting the usual black licorice punch, but the sweet balm and mugwort give this a softer, almost herbal finish that sneaks up on you. A little sugar and cold water and it went down dangerously easy. Been hunting for a real absinthe since I tried one in New Orleans years ago and this finally