Vieux Carré Absinthe Supérieure ( 120 proof / 60% ABV) is distilled by Philadelphia Distilling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Vieux Carré (which means old square in English) is named after New Orleans' famed French Quarter. New Orleans was known in the late 19th century as La Petite Paris (the little Paris), mostly due to its bustling life style and nightlife. Because of Louisiana and New Orleans' heavy French heritage and culture, the city had the largest contingency of absinthe drinkers in the United States, including a number of absinthe distilleries. Philadelphia Distillery pays tribute to the unique and colorful history of absinthe in New Orleans with the release of Vieux Carré Absinthe Supérieure.

The first batch of Vieux Carré was released on December 31, 2008. It is the first legal absinthe to be distilled, bottled and sold on the east coast of the United States in nearly 100 years.

Vieux Carré is batch distilled using a “double maceration” process featuring the mysterious Grande Wormwood and Petite Wormwood. Green and Star Anise, Fennel Doux Provence, Melissa, Genepi, Hyssop and Spearmint complete the complex flavor profile. Vieux Carré is an original artisan spirit that combines historic processes with a modern expertise.

Our custom copper-pot still was imported from Scotland, produced by Forsythes, the company that has built stills for many fine distilleries, including Glenlivet and Brown-Froman’s Woodford Reserve.

Vieux Carré is batch distilled using a “double maceration” process featuring the mysterious Grande Wormwood and Petite Wormwood. Green and Star Anise, Fennel Doux Provence, Melissa, Genepi, Hyssop and Spearmint complete the complex flavor profile. Vieux Carré is an original artisan spirit that combines historic processes with a modern expertise.

Vieux Carré’s flavor and color are derived exclusively from 100% natural herbs. The flavor is complex with both familiar and intriguing notes. The deep green color is reminiscent of a vintage jewel. The spirit is not over filtered, preserving the flavors extracted through the natural coloring process. A miniscule herbal particulate is natural if found.

The rich louche slowly builds as the essential oils refract light and create a dynamic opalescence. With the addition of chilled water the complexity of each herbal layer will come to fruition. The warm, long and lingering finish is harmonious, complex and subtle.

"Here’s another one that’s been around for quite some time.  They’ve changed up the recipe several times since the beginning, so here are my thoughts on the latest incarnation.

The latest batch (neck label says 98-100) is substantially improved from the past two years or so. The aroma lacks the distinct bitterness of prior batches. Sweet, earthy and inviting.  Louching brings about hues of green and yellow ending is a delightful opalescence.  Flavor is well balanced with a confectionary sweetness from the anise rounded out with herbal and minty wormwood.  Finish lingers pleasantly with mild numbing of the tongue from the anise and enjoyable mouthfeel.  Overall a welcome return to traditional flavors!"

       - Reviewed by Brian Robinson. Click here to see Brian's bio.