Have you ever stumbled across a Czech absinth that states it is made according to an old ancient Swiss family recipe?
Then you can be pretty sure it is a high proof vodka and oil mix. It had nothing to do with authentic vintage absinthes what so ever.
Czech absinth is known to have very little or no anise at all. Despite the fact that absinthe is a wormwood and anise based drink. Nonetheless
some credit must go to the Czech industry after all. It was in 1997 that Radomil Hill took up production of Hill's Absinth in his distillery.
Two gentlemen from the U.K found that absinthe wasn't illegal in the U.K and together they started importing Hill's and marketed it in clubs and bars.
This was pretty much what started the absinthe craze throughout Europe. But still, the fact remains, Czech Absinth is not true absinthe. No matter what
they state in marketing, you will not hallucinate, having wormwood plants inside the bottle only makes it overly bitter, and most of them are undrinkable.
At least in the aspect of how absinthe should taste. Click the thumbnails to view larger versions of the photos.
Created: 12/6/2003
Hills Absinth
Czech Republic, 70% alc. vol. (140 proof), 0.7 liter
Ouch. That hurt. A Czech absinth entered my collection. Why? Well, a neighbour of mine had the bottle and they didn't ever drink it, so I bought it. The only really nice thing with this one, is that it's not the standard Hills bottle, but an older one, which I believe is not used anymore. Enough of that and on to the tasting. Not much of a tasting I can say. It smells of nothing but alcohol. It tastes nothing but alcohol when tried neat. It tastes nothing but alcohol when diluted with water. It doesn't louche at all, and it actually has nothing at all to do with a traditional absinthe. So, in this aspect it is not a very good absinthe, I'd say.
Hills AbsinthCzech Republic, 70% alc. vol. (140 proof), 0.7 liter
Ouch. That hurt. A Czech absinth entered my collection. Why? Well, a neighbour of mine had the bottle and they didn't ever drink it, so I bought it. The only really nice thing with this one, is that it's not the standard Hills bottle, but an older one, which I believe is not used anymore. Enough of that and on to the tasting. Not much of a tasting I can say. It smells of nothing but alcohol. It tastes nothing but alcohol when tried neat. It tastes nothing but alcohol when diluted with water. It doesn't louche at all, and it actually has nothing at all to do with a traditional absinthe. So, in this aspect it is not a very good absinthe, I'd say.
Created: 6/20/2004
Prazsky Prague Absinth
Czech Republic, 72% alc. vol. (144 proof), 0.1 liter
So. Not that I didn't expect it to be totally crappy, but this was probably the worst experience I've ever had drinking anything.
This here is so awfully bitter and completely undrinkable that I just can't understand the meaning of it. Tried neat it made my tongue curl and my mouth went completely dry. Don't even think of "enjoying" this one neat. Added water naturally didn't produce a louche (or would that be louch for Czech absinth?) and it didn't help make this vile concoction any more drinkable. Down the drain it went, and the bottle will be left alone, forever. It's at times like these that I wish I didn't bother trying the stuff I know is bad, just to let all the rest of you know how bad it is, and make you stay away from it.
Prazsky Prague AbsinthCzech Republic, 72% alc. vol. (144 proof), 0.1 liter
So. Not that I didn't expect it to be totally crappy, but this was probably the worst experience I've ever had drinking anything.
This here is so awfully bitter and completely undrinkable that I just can't understand the meaning of it. Tried neat it made my tongue curl and my mouth went completely dry. Don't even think of "enjoying" this one neat. Added water naturally didn't produce a louche (or would that be louch for Czech absinth?) and it didn't help make this vile concoction any more drinkable. Down the drain it went, and the bottle will be left alone, forever. It's at times like these that I wish I didn't bother trying the stuff I know is bad, just to let all the rest of you know how bad it is, and make you stay away from it.
Created: 6/20/2004
Staroplzcenecky Absinth (green)
Czech Republic, 70% alc. vol. (140 proof), 0.2 liter
With a color clearly artificial, and with a smell of pure alcohol and chemicals, there's not much to expect. So, let's not. I could just leave it at that, but I can't help but wondering how it is actually possible that there are people saying this would be a good absinthe?
Now, of course it isn't absinthe, but absinth - and it isn't any good at all. Undrinkable, if not as bitter as the Prazsky, still way too bitter. Of course with no anise or anything else.
There's one word for this. NO.
Staroplzcenecky Absinth (green)Czech Republic, 70% alc. vol. (140 proof), 0.2 liter
With a color clearly artificial, and with a smell of pure alcohol and chemicals, there's not much to expect. So, let's not. I could just leave it at that, but I can't help but wondering how it is actually possible that there are people saying this would be a good absinthe?
Now, of course it isn't absinthe, but absinth - and it isn't any good at all. Undrinkable, if not as bitter as the Prazsky, still way too bitter. Of course with no anise or anything else.
There's one word for this. NO.
Created: 6/20/2004
Sebor Absinth
Czech Republic, 55% alc. vol. (110 proof), 0.5 liter
A long time ago, I had some Sebor. At the time I remembered thinking it was at least the better one of the Czech absinths and could be drinkable. I should never have gone back.
Even though it actually is better than any of the others, it doesn't mean it's drinkable. It could be used as a mixer maybe, but I personally wouldn't use it at all. I managed to make myself drink half the glass, as opposed to the other ones, that I just poured right down the sink after the first sip. But no. This is not good. It's not even half good. No more Czech for me, ever.
Sebor AbsinthCzech Republic, 55% alc. vol. (110 proof), 0.5 liter
A long time ago, I had some Sebor. At the time I remembered thinking it was at least the better one of the Czech absinths and could be drinkable. I should never have gone back.
Even though it actually is better than any of the others, it doesn't mean it's drinkable. It could be used as a mixer maybe, but I personally wouldn't use it at all. I managed to make myself drink half the glass, as opposed to the other ones, that I just poured right down the sink after the first sip. But no. This is not good. It's not even half good. No more Czech for me, ever.
Created: 6/10/2005
Bairnsfather Bitter
Czech Republic, 55% alc. vol. (110 proof), sample
From Kyle Bairnsfather, the successor of Martin Sebor, comes this absinth. I received a generous sample of this from Arthur Frayn. I don't know whether to thank him for that or not.
The Bairnsfather Bitter does to some extent remind a lot of the Sebor 55 which comes as no surprise, since Kyle was taught how to make this from Martin Sebor.
Sadly, the Bairnsfather Bitter tastes even worse than the Sebor.
It presents a natural, but dark medicinal green color, an aroma that is very heavy and doesn't exactly present anything wonderful at all. There's a heavy herbal thing about it which could actually have been good, had it not been for the overly intense bitter tones.
Adding water to the Bairnsfather Bitter does nothing but making it paler. There's no louche what so ever, which is rather funny since it's clearly stated on the Bairnsfather website that the louche is a type of quality indicator on an absinthe. That says it all. There's no louche here, and there's no quality either. This is a simple assemblage of herbs, steeped in alcohol filtered and bottled.
Bairnsfather himself has explained the process, and even though the process itself may be time consuming and expensive even, it doesn't produce a good absinthe.
I honestly can't recommend any one to get a bottle of this. Its taste is nothing but intense herbal medicinal and bitter. It is nothing that an absinthe really should be. It could be much better than it is, for starters it could be like the Sebor, and then work on it from there. Another good idea wold be to drop the method of manufacture entirely and learn the arts of distilling.
Bairnsfather BitterCzech Republic, 55% alc. vol. (110 proof), sample
From Kyle Bairnsfather, the successor of Martin Sebor, comes this absinth. I received a generous sample of this from Arthur Frayn. I don't know whether to thank him for that or not.
The Bairnsfather Bitter does to some extent remind a lot of the Sebor 55 which comes as no surprise, since Kyle was taught how to make this from Martin Sebor.
Sadly, the Bairnsfather Bitter tastes even worse than the Sebor.
It presents a natural, but dark medicinal green color, an aroma that is very heavy and doesn't exactly present anything wonderful at all. There's a heavy herbal thing about it which could actually have been good, had it not been for the overly intense bitter tones.
Adding water to the Bairnsfather Bitter does nothing but making it paler. There's no louche what so ever, which is rather funny since it's clearly stated on the Bairnsfather website that the louche is a type of quality indicator on an absinthe. That says it all. There's no louche here, and there's no quality either. This is a simple assemblage of herbs, steeped in alcohol filtered and bottled.
Bairnsfather himself has explained the process, and even though the process itself may be time consuming and expensive even, it doesn't produce a good absinthe.
I honestly can't recommend any one to get a bottle of this. Its taste is nothing but intense herbal medicinal and bitter. It is nothing that an absinthe really should be. It could be much better than it is, for starters it could be like the Sebor, and then work on it from there. Another good idea wold be to drop the method of manufacture entirely and learn the arts of distilling.
Created: 6/10/2005
Havel's Alpen Absinth
Czech Republic, 50% alc. vol. (100 proof), sample
I received a sample of the no longer available Czech blanche absinth, Havel's Alpen from Arthur Frayn, a good absintheur friend. I must actually say that apart from the new Cami Toulouse Lautrec - it's a shame for the Czech absinth "industry" that this one is no longer available. This was probably the only Czech absinth I would ever consider drinking again if it was still in production and if the Toulouse Lautrec had not been released.
I can't say it was perfect, since it wasn't but it was at least palatable. It's a distilled absinth and it did louche. Even if the louche was a bit thin it was there. The aroma was not the very best, and it did present a rather harsh smell with a clear lack of richness and complexity, as did the taste. There was some good things going on in the back but it never actually got out to make the drink really good.
Given this it might not sound very good, but taking into consideration that it was Czech made and comparing it to what else is and was coming out from the producers in the Czech Republic, this was actually quite good. Compared to what's available today from other parts of the world, it doesn't score that high though. Either way, it has been discontinued so there's really no reason to bother.
Havel's Alpen AbsinthCzech Republic, 50% alc. vol. (100 proof), sample
I received a sample of the no longer available Czech blanche absinth, Havel's Alpen from Arthur Frayn, a good absintheur friend. I must actually say that apart from the new Cami Toulouse Lautrec - it's a shame for the Czech absinth "industry" that this one is no longer available. This was probably the only Czech absinth I would ever consider drinking again if it was still in production and if the Toulouse Lautrec had not been released.
I can't say it was perfect, since it wasn't but it was at least palatable. It's a distilled absinth and it did louche. Even if the louche was a bit thin it was there. The aroma was not the very best, and it did present a rather harsh smell with a clear lack of richness and complexity, as did the taste. There was some good things going on in the back but it never actually got out to make the drink really good.
Given this it might not sound very good, but taking into consideration that it was Czech made and comparing it to what else is and was coming out from the producers in the Czech Republic, this was actually quite good. Compared to what's available today from other parts of the world, it doesn't score that high though. Either way, it has been discontinued so there's really no reason to bother.
Created: 6/11/2005
Absinthe Toulouse Lautrec
Czech Republic, 68% alc. vol. (136 proof), 0.75 liter
I got this Czech absinthe blanche as a blind tasting sample a while ago from Andy at absinth24.net. No labels, no idea what it was. All in order for not to judge it for being Czech, which I only found out later. All I knew was that it was an absinthe blanche, obviously, and that it would probably surprise me.
So, did it? Yes it did, and very much so once I was told the story behind it from absintheur friend Arthur Frayn who also, at the same time sent me a smaller sample of it, not telling what it was. The aroma that arises from the bottle is actually quite nice. There's a bit of alcohol bite from it that I wish wasn't there, but overall it's very decent. It presents a bit of fruitiness along with some odd spicy and maybe in a way funky smell which I can't put my finger on. Either it's supposed to be there, or it's a flaw. Either way, that is what makes this a bit of interesting since it doesn't present an obvious problem in the taste.
Adding water to the Toulouse Lautrec presents a thick white louche. This is the first time I've come across such a fine louche in a Czech absinthe. It is also the first time I've come across the spelling absinthe on a Czech product, and not the native Absinth. The louched drink does release a rather full aroma from the glass but there's a lack of complexity none the less. Tasting it was actually not that bad. I must say that I've had other blanches that are better, but this was far from the worst. It presents a decent enough taste with a nice enough mix of herbal characters. Though I still think it does lack something I'd have to say it's actually rather OK. There could've been a more clean taste of the more floral herbs such as the fennel and I do lack a bit of the wormwood taste and also, there's that odd funkiness to it that in the end puts this one down a few notches.
The overall impression of this one is that it is actually rather OK and quite drinkable. Once I learned that it was Czech made it certainly gained a few points only for being the first drinkable Czech product. Distilled, spelled with an E at the end, includes anise and louches it's all but a regular mouthwash-like Czech crapsinth.
Do note that the rest of the products currently available from Cami is nothing like this. This is, this far, the only one absinthe from Cami that I can recommend anyone to buy. The others are as bad as they come. However, if this is what they have in store for the future, things might actually clear up on the eastern front eventually.
View additional photos: 01 | 02
Absinthe Toulouse LautrecCzech Republic, 68% alc. vol. (136 proof), 0.75 liter
I got this Czech absinthe blanche as a blind tasting sample a while ago from Andy at absinth24.net. No labels, no idea what it was. All in order for not to judge it for being Czech, which I only found out later. All I knew was that it was an absinthe blanche, obviously, and that it would probably surprise me.
So, did it? Yes it did, and very much so once I was told the story behind it from absintheur friend Arthur Frayn who also, at the same time sent me a smaller sample of it, not telling what it was. The aroma that arises from the bottle is actually quite nice. There's a bit of alcohol bite from it that I wish wasn't there, but overall it's very decent. It presents a bit of fruitiness along with some odd spicy and maybe in a way funky smell which I can't put my finger on. Either it's supposed to be there, or it's a flaw. Either way, that is what makes this a bit of interesting since it doesn't present an obvious problem in the taste.
Adding water to the Toulouse Lautrec presents a thick white louche. This is the first time I've come across such a fine louche in a Czech absinthe. It is also the first time I've come across the spelling absinthe on a Czech product, and not the native Absinth. The louched drink does release a rather full aroma from the glass but there's a lack of complexity none the less. Tasting it was actually not that bad. I must say that I've had other blanches that are better, but this was far from the worst. It presents a decent enough taste with a nice enough mix of herbal characters. Though I still think it does lack something I'd have to say it's actually rather OK. There could've been a more clean taste of the more floral herbs such as the fennel and I do lack a bit of the wormwood taste and also, there's that odd funkiness to it that in the end puts this one down a few notches.
The overall impression of this one is that it is actually rather OK and quite drinkable. Once I learned that it was Czech made it certainly gained a few points only for being the first drinkable Czech product. Distilled, spelled with an E at the end, includes anise and louches it's all but a regular mouthwash-like Czech crapsinth.
Do note that the rest of the products currently available from Cami is nothing like this. This is, this far, the only one absinthe from Cami that I can recommend anyone to buy. The others are as bad as they come. However, if this is what they have in store for the future, things might actually clear up on the eastern front eventually.
View additional photos: 01 | 02
Created: 8/28/2005
Absinth Stromu
Czech Republic, 70% alc. vol. (140 proof), 0.04 liter
A colleague of mine went to Croatia for vacationing. On their way driving down there, they just happened to stop by for a few days in Prague. Guess what... "Nice" as they were, they bought me a bottle of absinth.
The Stromu absinth falls right into the category of crappy utterly disgusting Czech swill. With its blueish washer fluid like color and alcoholic chewing gum flavor and no louche what so ever, this is no good. It's crap. There's no more to be said.
Absinth StromuCzech Republic, 70% alc. vol. (140 proof), 0.04 liter
A colleague of mine went to Croatia for vacationing. On their way driving down there, they just happened to stop by for a few days in Prague. Guess what... "Nice" as they were, they bought me a bottle of absinth.
The Stromu absinth falls right into the category of crappy utterly disgusting Czech swill. With its blueish washer fluid like color and alcoholic chewing gum flavor and no louche what so ever, this is no good. It's crap. There's no more to be said.
Created: 12/21/2006
King of Spirits Gold
Czech Republic, 70% alc. vol. (140 proof), sample
The one absinth from the Czech republic that constantly claims to be the only real and authentic absinthe out there is probably the King of Spirits and the King of Spirits Gold. So, how much truth lies in this?
At December 10th of 2006 no less than eleven people from around the world did a simultaneous tasting entirely independent of each other. The conclusion and result of that tasting was unanimous. I myself took part of that tasting and my review below reflects the outcome.
The color of the King of Spirits Gold is actually very nice and vibrant green. Sadly, this is disturbed by the herbal debris placed in the bottle deliberately. Why anyone would place anything floating around in the bottle is a mystery since it will only contribute to making the taste go worse by the second. Either way, pouring the King of Spirits Gold in a glass actually reveals a quite decent aroma. Not at all as obtrusive as one might think. It lends some scents from the fennel found in the bottle and also some scent of anise and of course wormwood. There's more in there, but the quality of the herbs used aren't exactly top notch and it appears even some are of the wrong cultivars!
Now, the aroma raises the expectation a little bit though and I start adding ice cold water to it, slowly. The only thing that happens is some oily swirls in the absinthe and the color is getting thinner and thinner. There is no louche here at all. After adding the water the aroma flattens out into a sad nothingness.
On to tasting it... At first it presents a nice and rich mouth-feel which is then abruptly murdered by an excessively dry bitterness and any expectations are blown to pieces in an instant. The taste is that of bitterness and alcohol with a little something trying to get past that but it fails miserably. Overall this is not the worst absinthe I've tasted but it is very far from authentic, it's very far from being an absinthe at all and most of all it's very very far from being worth a fraction of the $200 a bottle of this costs. Needless to say - this is nothing I recommend.
King of Spirits GoldCzech Republic, 70% alc. vol. (140 proof), sample
The one absinth from the Czech republic that constantly claims to be the only real and authentic absinthe out there is probably the King of Spirits and the King of Spirits Gold. So, how much truth lies in this?
At December 10th of 2006 no less than eleven people from around the world did a simultaneous tasting entirely independent of each other. The conclusion and result of that tasting was unanimous. I myself took part of that tasting and my review below reflects the outcome.
The color of the King of Spirits Gold is actually very nice and vibrant green. Sadly, this is disturbed by the herbal debris placed in the bottle deliberately. Why anyone would place anything floating around in the bottle is a mystery since it will only contribute to making the taste go worse by the second. Either way, pouring the King of Spirits Gold in a glass actually reveals a quite decent aroma. Not at all as obtrusive as one might think. It lends some scents from the fennel found in the bottle and also some scent of anise and of course wormwood. There's more in there, but the quality of the herbs used aren't exactly top notch and it appears even some are of the wrong cultivars!
Now, the aroma raises the expectation a little bit though and I start adding ice cold water to it, slowly. The only thing that happens is some oily swirls in the absinthe and the color is getting thinner and thinner. There is no louche here at all. After adding the water the aroma flattens out into a sad nothingness.
On to tasting it... At first it presents a nice and rich mouth-feel which is then abruptly murdered by an excessively dry bitterness and any expectations are blown to pieces in an instant. The taste is that of bitterness and alcohol with a little something trying to get past that but it fails miserably. Overall this is not the worst absinthe I've tasted but it is very far from authentic, it's very far from being an absinthe at all and most of all it's very very far from being worth a fraction of the $200 a bottle of this costs. Needless to say - this is nothing I recommend.