Kubler Absinthe Review!
It has finally happened! Kubler Absinthe has landed in Chicago! I haven’t found it at a Binny’s yet, but Sam’s Wine carries it. Sam’s is selling it for just over $50 for a one liter bottle. This is more economical than $65 for a 750ml bottle of Lucid, though Kubler is of a lower proof and some people would call this a trade off. I will do my usual weirdo literary review after the break, but those that just want the facts can get it right here.
Asides from the larger bottle and lower price, the most notable difference between Lucid and Kubler is the color. It is a Swiss “La Bleue” or “Blanche”, this means that it is clear instead of green like Lucid. There are subtle differences between these two styles I cannot expound upon as this is the second true Absinthe I have sampled. The folks over at the Wormwood Society are the go to guys for fine details.
The smell upon opening the bottle is not nearly as strong as one would expect from a 106 proof beverage. I caught anise, fennel and a very small alcohol scent. Quite pleasant.
I poured a pony of it into my glass and dripped spring water slowly into it. I drank my first glass ‘Sans Sucre’ (without sugar) as that is the way I tend to enjoy Lucid and araks araks and coffee and pretty much anything else that is often sugared. The louche (fogginess) came on rather quickly compared to Lucid. I was disappointed at the lack of eye candy during the louche, but this comes second to taste. I watered this glass with a 1:4 ratio of absinthe to water, though the bottle says 1:5. A 1:5 water ratio seems a bit dilute for a 53% alcohol absinthe. As always find your own ‘Golden Ratio’.
The bouquet expands nicely after the drip, though not quite as pungent as Lucid. The taste on first sip is glorious. My mouth is filled with anise (heehee) fennel and the earthy punch of wormwood. The finish is smooth and I can now taste a hint of mint on my tongue. There is no ‘Spiciness’ like I tasted in the Lucid.
This is a fine absinthe in my opinion. It is not as rich or layered as Lucid, but this is not always a bad thing. I could see a beginning absintheur having a much easier time enjoying Kubler then Lucid. For my money I will be buying Kubler simply because it is a good bit cheaper per bottle by volume then Lucid, but I enjoy them both equally, just in different ways.
September 16, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Thanks for the review, though, I think I would stick to Lucid. The difference in style of writing you did between the two reviews is at the very least apparent. I may try Kubler eventually but I like Lucid too much to give it up so easily.
October 13, 2008 at 8:53 am
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April 21, 2009 at 4:11 am
My first absinthe I tasted was Sebor, I got it import and that was what I know how absinthe should taste. From then on, I have tried Lucid. Taste is very similar. I have done lots of research and found new US companies putting more oils, and coloring into their ‘absinthe’. I am not even interested in the ‘fake’ absinthes that are out there, and believe me there is lots. The Wormwood Society has lots of information out there for people who are new to this fine drink. That is my 2 cents have a great day!
July 24, 2009 at 12:37 am
This was my second bottle of absinthe. My first was also Sebor Absinth, and I must say that I really enjoyed the taste of that bottle. The first time I drank Sebor I truly felt very different than just an alcohol buzz, it was energetic and zoned out. I then didnt drink Sebor for a few weeks, and at a festival drank glass after glass from about 10am till night time, with the same feeling in the beginning (never got too drunk tho, I can handle it!). Anyway, enough about that.
This absinthe, Kubler, is actually pretty nice. I myself LOVE the taste of absinth, so I enjoyed it none the less (even if it lacks thujone and whatnot). It was def not as good as the other kind, had much more of a punch to it, much higher alcohol too and you can sure taste that! I think the best part is how its clear, and when you add water it the louche is fantastic, it twirls and gets extremely milk cloudy. Anyway, all you need is 2 fine glasses of this and you’ll be laughing at the dog show on the television, haha, its pretty strong as far as liquer goes…
My final thoughts: It’s f-ing expensive, like every absinthe for some odd reason, but if you have the money, it is a very nice tasting drink, and the bottle will stick around (unless you get drunk every day?!). I was disappointed that it wasnt green at first, but its actually a nice different thing to try. Go for it… I did! And I am actually going to have a glass or two tonight also! Yey!