The Bottom Line
Since the ban on absinthe was lifted in the U.S. there have been many interesting brands arriving on the market and La Fee Parisienne is one of them. This particular brand was the first to be distilled in France after the ban was lifted there in the late 1990’s. La Fee is a very nice example of traditional absinthe and each bottle comes with an absinthe spoon so you can enjoy it in the traditional way.
Pros
- Each bottle includes a traditional absinthe spoon
- Strong and effervescent absinthe true to the Grand Wormwood base.
- Mix it up or serve it in the traditional way, it's great anyway you like it.
Cons
- This is not a subtle absinthe and some people may not enjoy that aspect.
Description
- Traditional absinthe distilled in France
- George Rowley, Managing Director and Brand Owner
- Autheticated by the Musee de l’Absinthe Auvers-sur-Oise
- Recipe developed with help by absinthe expert Marie-Clause Delahaye
- First French absinthe since 1915 ban
- 68% alc/volume (136 proof)
- U.S. release – June, 2008
- Retails for around $59.95 including absinthe spoon
- Gold Winner at San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold Rating from Beverage Institute of Chicago
Guide Review - La Fee Absinthe
Finding a new absinthe with the right amount of flavor is a matter of personal taste and La Fee Parisienne definitely falls into a real absinthe lover’s type of absinthe. It has a very strong wormwood profile and a dark green color that retains a dynamic opalescence when paired with water and sugar in the traditional preparation. There are notes of other herbs and botanicals in the palate and the dominating flavor of the finish is shorter than some absinthes, but leaves behind a strong, lingering and dry anise profile on the tongue.
George Rowley, founder and owner of the La Fee brand, worked with Marie-Claude Delahaye to perfect a 19th century absinthe recipe for today’s market. To tap into the knowledge of such a renowned absinthe expert and historian seems to have proved invaluable to the taste of the finished spirit. Rowley also involved the the Musee de l’Absinthe in the creation of his absinthe, which to date is the only absinthe authenticated by the established absinthe museum. Both of these authorities on the green fairy continue to be involved with La Fee’s production.
