Tasting Notes Absinthe has always been the preferred choice of great artists; Hemingway Picasso van Gogh Manet Wilde Proust Verlaine and Poe to name just a few. One of the greatest artists in the spirits world is the Master Distiller Leslie Gracie so it seems only fitting that she should turn her hand to creating a Hendrick’s Absinthe. Diving into both her “Cabinet of Curiosities” (the name given to the cupboard of essences herbs and spices in the laboratory where she weaves her botanical alchemy) and the hothouses that flank the entrance of the Hendrick’s Gin Palace Leslie Gracie has produced yet another masterpiece. This Scottish rendition of the ‘green fairy’ is an aromatic absinthe that will appeal to craft gin drinkers combining traditional botanicals like wormwood and star anise with the Hendrick’s signature ingredients rose and cucumber. There’s also yarrow elderflower and neroli oil in the mix too creating a bright and approachable absinthe with intriguing floral and delicate citrus notes. Serve traditionally poured over a sugar cube into three parts of ice-cold water or mix it into a Death in the Afternoon a julep or a Martini with gin and dry vermouth. Alternatively fix yourself an absinthe and tonic and see if it inspires an artistic endeavour. Many experts credit the original Hendrick’s with sparking gin’s phenomenal resurgence. It rocketed into pole position and became one of the best-selling gin brands in the world. As the avalanche of new gins and distilleries has continued to snowball the originator has come back with bang. Hendrick’s has received a rumoured £13 million of investment in their glorious and otherworldly Gin Palace. With its stained-glass dome towering black walls gleaming copper stills walled garden and greenhouses it feels part Willy Wonka part gothic dinner party and just a little bit like a Victorian orangery kitted out by the set designers from Mad Men. From this stunning abode an equally stunning procession of gins have begun to appear. Hendrick’s is handcrafted in tiny batches in the similarly minuscule Scottish coastal town of Girvan by just a handful of very dedicated and wonderfully eccentric people. They use a carefully curated selection of botanicals and two types of still: a Bennett Still that steeps the botanicals to create an intense and robust spirit and a rare Carter-Head Still that steams the botanicals to create a lighter more fragrant spirit. These two spirits are then married together and infused with Hendrick’s magical touches. Product Details Country: Scotland Alcohol by volume (ABV): 48% Volume: 700ml