Glossary Of Absinthe Terms
Absinth: Central European spelling of absinthe. Commonly used to describe on Czech Absinthe.
Absinthism: A fictitious syndrome created by the anti-absinthe movement to demonize absinthe in the 19th century. Alcoholism associated with absinthe.
Absintheur: Absinthe enthusiast. Collector of absinthe or absinthe accessories.
Alembic/Alambic: French for distillation apparatus or still.
Aroma: See review criteria at top of page.
Artemisia Absinthium: See Wormwood.
Bain-Marie: A type of distillation apparatus using the "double boiler" method to heat the still.
Belle Époque: An era of artistic and cultural refinement in a society, especially in France at the beginning of the 20th century.
Blanche: French for "white". Describes clear, uncolored absinthe. See also La Bleue.
Clandestine: Absinthes made by amateur distillers where distillation is prohibited.
Color: See review criteria at top of page.
Cuillere: French for "Spoon".
Feuille Morte: French for "Dead or Fallen Leaf". Refers to the brownish color a verte absinthe turns as it ages.
Finish: See review criteria at top of page.
Flavor: See review criteria at top of page.
La Bleue: Describes clandestine Swiss blanche absinthes. French for "the blue". Refers to bluish tint after the addition of water.
La Fée Verte: French for "Green Fairy"
L'Heure Verte: French for "The Green Hour"
Louche: See criteria at top of page.
Petite Wormwood: AKA Artemisia pontica, Roman Wormwood. Also See Wormwood.
Sans Sucre: French for "Sugar Free"
Suisse: French for "Swiss." Also a style of absinthe considered produced using superior distillation processes.
Thujone: Active component Artemesia absinthium (wormwood).
Verre: French for “drinking glass”.
Verte: French for “green”. Describes green absinthe.
Wormwood: Broad range of plants belonging to
the genus Artemisia. Only one Artemisia absinthium is an ingredient in
authentic absinthe. Note: Artemisia pontica (AKA roman wormwood or
petite wormwood) is used in the coloration of some absinthe.
Absinthe Review Criteria And Guide.