The recent renaissance of absinthe as more than just the forbidden fruit of the spirits world has led to a number of Northwest interpretations (and yesterday’s National Absinthe Day). One addition to the category comes from Forest Grove, Oregon in the form of Dogwood Distilling’s Haint Absinthe, distilled from Willamette Valley Pinot Noir grapes.
The pale spring green color of the liquor does little to betray the strength of the alcohol in the bottle, but at 125 proof, Haint carries its weight. Thankfully, the overbearing licorice-like flavor of many absinthes isn’t found here. Certainly, anise has left its mark, but it also leaves room for surprisingly delicate floral aromas, including hyssop and rose, to be detected upon uncapping. They’re coupled with a hint of mint, which carries onto the semi-sweet palate before being met by chamomile and other flavors reminiscent of a blended herbal tea. With a twist of lemon on the finish, Haint is altogether nothing like that fluorescent green stuff you did shots of during your semester abroad in Barcelona. Add a bit of ice water to it, and you have yourself a decidedly refreshing sipper going into spring and summer.
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