La Clandestine Absinthe Superieure

Here’s a spirit with a story that’s as good as the drink itself. La Clandestine Absinthe Supérieure is handcrafted in Couvet, Switzerland, the literal birthplace of absinthe. Its recipe dates to 1935, a time when absinthe production was an underground affair, hence the name. This classic "La Bleue" (clear) absinthe was secretly distilled by farmers and families, a tradition carried on by distiller Claude-Alain Bugnon who began as a bootlegger himself in 2000 before absinthe was re-legalized in Switzerland in 2005. Using local Val-de-Travers grande wormwood, this is a true benchmark for the category.

La Clandestine Absinthe Supérieure brings a clean, creamy profile to the party, with dominant notes of fennel and anise, supported by a subtle floral wormwood bitterness. It truly shines in classic cocktails like a Sazerac or a Corpse Reviver #2, where its crisp character can cut through and complement other cocktail ingredients without overwhelming the drink.

Clean aromas of sweet anise and fennel give way to a surprisingly soft, creamy palate with delicate floral notes and a refreshing hint of mint. The finish is remarkably smooth and long, leaving a subtle, pleasant wormwood bitterness and a lingering herbal warmth on the tongue.