A Report:

I wound up purchasing a bottle of the Jade "Edouard" from "Liquers de France" www.absintheonline.com/acatal...de.html

Wow. Expensive, yes. But it arrived in Las Vegas four days later (on a Sunday, no less). I call that remarkable.

The beverage itself is stunning.
Undiluted, it is a light - almost chartreuse green.
The aroma is redolent of anise, but also has clearly distinguished herbal and floral notes. It is intense, but lovely.
Just having the bottle open perfumed the room.

I used sugar and water, and diluted until the last of the green line at the top disappeared, then added one more shot of water. So roughly a three to one ratio.

The louche was delightful. At the beginning, the oily, almost lava-lamp process was very evident. Adding more water, the louche built up beautifully - rolling like an inversion layer of sea fog in a green sky. My friends glass even layered (green on the bottom - white in the middle - green on the top) something I had never seen before.

The taste: Exquisite.
fragrant, elegant, the anise still pronounced, but not at all overwhelming. Much more of the floral/herbal comes through now. Perhaps even a minty note. The mouth texture is rich and smooth. My sugar did not dissolve perfectly, so it was a little too sweet for me at the bottom, but lovely nonetheless.

My friend diluted his a little more at first (about 5 to 1) and it was too weak at this ratio. We added another half-shot of liqueur to his beverage, and that filled it out quite nicely.

The buzz? Absinthe has never been a trip toy for me. I enjoy it because of the beauty of the drink and the fun of the process. That being said - there is something special about a good absinthe buzz. It reminds me of the first "signals" that I might get from a psychotropic plant - long before the trip actually starts. Everything is lighter and depthier at the same time. Conversation flows easily, and sensation seems enhanced.

I am the first to admit that these things may simply be the result of good company, a lovely environment, and a beautiful beverage. ...but I don't think so. There is something 'sideways' about The Green Fairy, and I love her.

Peace

Jay