Lucid® Absinthe Supérieure is a traditional green absinthe, available nationwide in the U.S. If you know an absinthe lover, or a potential absinthe lover, this gift set is worth considering. It is a palate-cooling drink distilled with herbs and carries an enticing cultural legacy.
Lucid Absinthe — What is it?
Absinthe, or “The Green Fairy,” is an anise-flavored spirit, famed for its high alcohol content and popularity historically. Lucid absinthe is made using strict, traditional French methods. It contains a blend of herbs — including Grande Woodworm, green anise, and sweet fennel — distilled in a neutral spirit. Its alcohol by volume is 62%.
In March 2007, Lucid absinthe became available in the U.S., making it the first legal genuine absinthe since 1912. Lucid absinthe can be mixed to make cocktails, though the traditional “louching” is still a popular, flavorsome option. This involves using a slotted spoon to drip cold water over a sugar cube into the absinthe.
Lucid Absinthe Holiday Gift Pack Contents
The Lucid gift pack retails at $59.99 and contains:
- A 750ml bottle of Lucid absinthe.
- Two absinthe glasses, for both presentation and ease of measuring.
- An absinthe spoon, for louching, which is a traditional way to drink absinthe.
- Three recipes for drinking absinthe, including instructions on louching (all on the back of the box).
Lucid Absinthe — What Does it Taste Like?
I think the taste of absinthe is part of its seduction, but undoubtedly this will vary from person to person, given that anise-based products tend to be adored or despised. My friends and I mixed a few absinthe drinks — two of us liked the taste, the other two didn’t. The two who didn’t said it was the anise-flavor that put them off.
In saying that, my face drains of all color at the very thought of licorice, yet I find the taste of lucid absinthe to be quite cooling. It mixes well with ginger ale and limes, and you can always adjust the strength to suit. Drinking it straight, which doesn’t really interest me, would undoubtedly be more overwhelming.
So, tread carefully. If you’re looking to buy absinthe for someone and don’t know if they like it, I’d either (a) forgo surprise and ask them if they do or (b) sneakily find out if they keep a secret stash of licorice. If you’re curious about it for yourself, maybe your local bar will let you taste some for free (ask nicely).
Lucid Absinthe — What Else Do You Need to Know?
Lucid absinthe is available nationwide and information on distributors is available on their website. The Lucid website is also a useful resource on the drink’s history, tackling misconceptions, and also providing several recipes. They also have a contact email for anyone who has questions and comments about their products.
The Lucid Absinthe Holiday Gift Pack was provided to Untrained Housewife for review purposes by Deussen Global Communications, Inc.
