Absinthe Enigma Verte - Verte de Fougerolles - 20cl

This has been a favorite of mine since before they changed the name to "Enigma". It's probably my favorite absinthe that is not among the Jade line of absinthes. It has a very bold complex nose. The taste is equally complex, with many herbs and spices evident but no single one of them stands out in an obvious or overpowering way. Perfectly balanced. Louche is beautifuly opalescent and creamy. I highly recommend this, it is a great Jade type absinthe without the high price.

I bought this on a whim with one other type of absinthe and I am happy I did. This is truly a great find and I would buy this again. I haven't tried this side-by-side with Jade's 1901, but I would say this is the closest one I've had to it. And the with the difference in price, I would say this is a great go-to for one of the best absinthes I've tried at a super reasonable price. The aromatic flavors in this, make a beautiful combination where no one flavor dominates. The louche is thick and beautifully opalescent. I've tried several absinthes and I don't easily give 5 stars, but this one is truly deserving of it.

Nothing enigmatic about this absinthe. Wonderful absinthe, thick louche, from start to end.

Simply oustandingly unique. The louche is amazing, changing between yellow and green with a "slick" of botanical oils on top. It is creamy, thick and utterly delicious. A favourite.

This one has gradually become my favorite among the French traditional type Absinthes I have tried so far. It has a complex palate and a nasty edge that I can´t really define, but since I once got used to it – I just love it! A deep green color and a heavy louche contributes to my judgement. Full tilt!

Color: beautiful deep peridot/feuille morte. Just what I was looking for. Lovely.
Louche: fast and very thick, which hit me as the possibility of star anise presence.
Aroma: strangely familiar...
Taste: it all made sense at this point; pretty much a clone of Libertine 72 but without the "grass".
Finish: lasting numb, bold and creamy; with the mud removed, this turned out to be very appealing.
Effect: soothing, calming, focusing, though not so stimulant as other more bitter absinthes.

CONCLUSION: in short, the clean version on Libertine 72. Honestly, I didn't have the chance to taste the original Verte de Fougerolles; but if I have my dates right, it seems pretty obvious that Enigma built over the achievements and weaknesses of Libertine 72. I figure the difference in the price is worth to cover up for better ingredients in the recipe, including enough green anise to achieve the full body provided by star anise but without its more shoddy qualities.

AFTERMATH: whereas initially a strong detractor of Libertine 72, I later get used to it and learned to enjoy a certain character amidst its faults. With Enigma, I found that very same character in a straightforward way and it turned out to suit me really well. Whereas looking for round balance I'd go for Authentique and looking for wormwood I'd go for Angélique, I now can say too that looking for anise I'd go for Enigma as mid-range remorseless recommendations.

No sugar added, as usual.

A favourite of mine. A bit strange - but I like it!

This absinthe is truly delicious and a highly prized member of my collection. Very complex, creamy, and had I no tongue I would be completely satisfied to just smell a louched glass of it all night.

Opened my first bottle of Enigma this evening and there is no doubt that this is the same absinthe as the Absinthe Verte de Fougerolles that I fell in love with a bottle ago. (And "enigma" really is much easier to pronounce than "fougerolles" for a not-in-the-least-French person.) This is my favorite absinthe so far, although my experience is still meager. I've sampled enough to know that I prefer French over Swiss any day, and that Paul Devoille distills spirits that please me particularly. I prefer Enigma over the Libertine 68 and the Soixante-cinq, both of which I also like very much. To me, Enigma is like the freshest new-mown lawn combined with the crispest cleanest coldest snowfall ever. It is my favorite conundrum.