Absinthe La Clandestine 1935 - barrel-aged - 20cl

Such a sensual taste drinking this neat. I had the pleasure of enjoying La Clandestine 1935 on a late night a few years ago. It was a gift to me and I cannot remember a more delicious taste. I'm glad I found it again. Absolutely 5 stars!

Given the rarity, I've been waiting for a special occasion to taste this. I could wait no longer, and have sampled it tonight. I first sampled the aroma. Wonderful notes of oak are strong, and interlaced with a typical Clandestine complexity. Because of this I took a sip neet. I was surprised by a reminder of cognac, yet not like cognac. It was the oak that left me with a cognac cognition. My next glass will be neet, but this time I played it safe, and mixed it with ice cold spring water. I watched it louche as I mixed the ice cold water over white sugar cubes (2 small cubes). It louches a wonderful redish brown. The oak overtones mellows the flavor. It adds a whole new dimension to this wonderful drink. If it were not for some other incredibly good absinthes, I might hail this as the best. I have not tried a 100 year old Pernod Fils, but I suspect they will not be as tasty as this work of art.

Claude has produced a truly remarkable Absinthe in Clandestine Barrique. The herbs are well balanced, and comprise a beverage that glides across the tongue with a wonderful creamy texture leaving overtones of Anise, wormwood and oak. There is a touch of dryness in the finish. A wonderful dryness, like a dry martini. I bet this comes from the oils of the oak.

I will be looking forward to each batch from now on. I hope to have a reserve to be able to treat lovers of Absinthe with something truly special as I encounter them on the road of life.

Thank you Claude ! Your Absinthes are my favorite.

Best Wishes,
Kris

The packaging and bottle itself are wonderful. There is a clear relationship of artisan quality in the container--and the product contained. Wonderful aroma, mellow and complex flavors; it is beyond cognac. I hope to see more of this available in the future. As it is, I am rationing it very carefully to friends with a palate on very special occaisions.

Such a great experience.. Starts with a great classic cognac taste, and finishes with notes of the absinthe. Great drink, it blends the best of both worlds.

Wow! Striking at first, like a cognac or whiskey. [I'm used to my absinthes being watered down :)]
Then smooth vanilla licorice comes in and lingers long after!
My father prefers it neat (he's a cognac/whiskey drinker) while I like a few drops of iced water (less than an ice cubes worth)

Don't bother with an ice cube. It may be too much water and it takes too long to mix in.
Just stick to a few drops of water and drink it from a cognac glass! Its good to swirl it and get the aroma as well as help mix the bit of water.

The only negative is the price. Compare it to every other spirit aged 6 years for only 200ml....I just couldn't give it the 5 stars it deserves. And I do think it deserves it! I love this one!