Absinthe, the spirit that was once the hallucinogenic drug before hallucinogenic drugs were even a thing, the so-called "Green Fairy" that once had bohemian artists tripping to another dimension (or so they thought), has been making quite the return Down Under. Aussie distillers, with their sunkissed faces and a dash of creativity, are whipping up absinthe with native botanicals to make it a bit of our own. Sure, the government keeps a tight leash on the thujone levels - because hallucinating koalas are not a good look - but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying the meticulous rituals of absinthe drinking. From sophisticated bars serving up absinthe cocktails, to tasting events, this misunderstood spirit has always been a moment of curiosity for many. So here is a lineup of six Australian craft Absinthe to steer you on the right path of your Absinthe journey.
Never Never Distilling
Australian Absinthe 55%ABV
Never Never Distilling’s limited-edition Australian Absinthe is a true collector's item, with only 200 bottles released in March 2023. Crafted in collaboration with the globally renowned Van Gogh Alive, this absinthe showcases a blend of traditional and unique botanicals, including wormwood, sweet fennel, green anise, lemon balm, aniseed, and hyssop. Expect a vibrant hit of green anise and licorice that transforms into a sweet, syrupy delight with a splash of chilled water and sugar. Its color evolves from pale green to light yellow, bursting with aromas of bright anise, lemon balm, and fennel. The taste is a nostalgic trip, reminiscent of classic Aussie lollies like Allen’s Black Cats and Liquorice Allsorts.
The Canberra Distilling
Absinthe 55%ABV
The Canberra Distilling, with the newest absinthe on the market, at 55% ABV, channels the artistic vibe of 19th-century Parisian cafés. Using locally sourced botanicals like wormwood, anise, and fennel, each ingredient is distilled separately to capture its purest flavour before blending. The result is an absinthe that boasts a luxurious green hue, perfect for the traditional absinthe ritual. Add sugar and chilled water to watch it transform, releasing a bouquet of aromatic delights. This absinthe is all about sparking your imagination and senses, staying true to its artistic inspiration.
Tamborine Mountain Distillery
Absinthe Moulin Rooz 60%ABV
Tamborine Mountain Distillery’s Absinthe Moulin Rooz, with its impressive collection of 11 awards, stands as Australia’s pioneer in premium absinthe. Clocking in at 60% ABV, this spirit is a nod to the absinthe-soaked days of 19th-century Paris. It’s loaded with aniseed, lemon myrtle, China aniseed, elderflower, gentian, fennel seed, hyssop, and the notorious wormwood. The first sip is an anise blast, leading to a hot, prickly middle that numbs your lips and tongue. The finish is dry, bitter, and loaded with liquorice. Traditional absinthe drinkers will appreciate the ritual of slowly dripping water over a sugar cube to dilute and mellow this intense spirit.
The Grove Distillery
Absinthe 50%ABV
The Grove Distillery’s absinthe, sitting at a comfortable 50% ABV, proudly claims the title of Australia’s best. Their organic, traditional recipe involves macerating botanicals in a triple-distilled base before a second maceration adds complexity and texture. The result? A robust liquorice aroma with hints of herbs and zesty lemon. This absinthe is smooth on the palate, with classic liquorice and herbal notes complemented by aniseed, fennel, lemon balm, and hyssop. The spirit continues to mature in the bottle, deepening its rich flavour profile over time.
Drifters Distilling
Absinthe 60%ABV
Drifters Distilling’s absinthe, inspired by the vibrant Mardi Gras in New Orleans, is crafted in Tasmania and bottled at a hefty 60% ABV. This small-batch spirit blends the absinthe essentials—wormwood, anise, and fennel—with other botanicals for a unique take on this legendary drink. Each sip invites you into the lore and mystique of absinthe, a favourite of artists and poets. Handcrafted with meticulous care, this absinthe is available in 700ml and 200ml bottles, ready to transport you to the heart of New Orleans with every pour
Demoiselle Distillery
Matilda Absinthe 66%ABV
Demoiselle Distillery’s Matilda Absinthe, at a potent 66% ABV, offers a distinctly Australian twist on a classic spirit. Featuring native botanicals like mountain pepper and lemon myrtle alongside the traditional aniseed, fennel, and wormwood, this absinthe is pot-distilled and colourized to enhance its flavour. Each batch is unique, reflecting the home-grown herbs used in its creation. Demoiselle even provides a video guide for preparing the perfect louche, ensuring you get the most out of every drop. This absinthe is clean, full-bodied, and ever-evolving, with a spicy anise kick and a warm citrus finish.
The once demonised and banned, is experiencing a new found appreciation in Australia, and it’s damn well deserved. These six local gems are proof that we can take an old classic and make it our own. From the historic rituals of absinthe preparation - from slowly dripping water over a sugar cube to achieve that perfect louche - to modern cocktails, the experience is as much about the process as it is about the drink itself.
Absinthe is traditionally served with a sugar cube placed on a slotted spoon over a glass, with cold water slowly poured over it, allowing the sugar to dissolve and release the aromas and flavours, creating a milky, opalescent drink known as louche. So, grab your glasses, sugar cubes, and absinthe fountains, and dive into the green wonderland that these Aussie distillers have crafted. Cheers to sipping and seeing Greeen Fairies!