Clandestine Recette Marianne (Franco Suisse)
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Country of Origin: Switzerland
Type: Distilled
Alcohol Level: 55 %
Vendors: ♣ Absinthe Suisse , ♣ Absinthe Spoon
Description: From the manufacturer: After conquering the Swiss market, Charlotte la Clandestine wanted to participate in the French Absinthiades in Pontarlier. In order to conform to the strict French laws a new product was conceived only ten days before the actual event. A new product, a new label and… a new medal. Marianne was awarded the Golden Spoon of 2005.
Marianne is of a sharper taste than the Clandestine; less smooth and rather piquant and spicy, with a mild bitterness. A perfect absinthe of 55% vol. with a long-lasting flavor.
Reviewed by peridot 11/9/2006
COLOR BEFORE WATER 10/10
As clear and clean as spring water.
LOUCHE ACTION 10/10
Outstanding. White clouds roll left and right while building perfectly from bottom. Very thick.
COLOR AFTER WATER 9/10
Beautiful white with shades of blue. Nice, complex refraction.
AROMA 25/30
Before water it's brilliantly floral. Peppermint is the dominant aroma, with a bit of anise mixing in nicely. After water the peppermint smell is stronger but wormwood and hyssop reveal themselves. There's a soft, pleasant earthiness.
MOUTH-FEEL 7/10
Fairly creamy and not very numbing. With the addition of sugar it becomes positively mouth-coating. I wish it could be like that without sugar.
TASTE 14/20
Wormwood upfront, and very tasty. The mint which is so present in the aroma is much lighter in flavour. Fennel is reduced in this recipe (a negative aspect) but it's still detectable, mostly in the finish, which seems to last forever. Doesn't taste quite as good as it smells, but it's still very nice.
OVERALL IMPRESSION 7/10
It seems that not a lot of people have tried the Marianne, expecting it to be a weakened or bastardized version of the Charlotte la Clandestine. I think it's a good absinthe that could stand on its own.
peridot scores Clandestine Recette Marianne (Franco Suisse) 82 out of 100
Reviewed by Neptunati 12/26/2006
COLOR BEFORE WATER 10/10
Clear, no color!
LOUCHE ACTION 10/10
Very thick white clouds. Awesome show.
COLOR AFTER WATER 10/10
Opalescent, mother of pearl with a touch of blue. Has a slight glow to it. You can see the oils run bluish white on the glass.
AROMA 27/30
When I smell It neat I get a almost wine grape smell with light peppermint anise mix, and a sharp smell(wormwood?). I think it really blooms after you add water. Here is where it smells like honey tastes. Also the peppermint comes out a lot. Also has a good soft floral scent after water. The most sweet smell.
MOUTH-FEEL 9/10
When sipped neat- Wow this will give you a bite, awesome aftertaste. Numbing and mouth watering! 151 is smoother.
With 4:1 ratio- Truly addicting!! You do not need sugar. I like it with one cube of sugar at four to one. Numbs and coats the tongue slightly. Smooth, lets not forget the fact its only 110 proof. Well done that being said.
TASTE 18/20
With 4:1 and 1 sugar- Yummy! Honey, minty, anise flavor, creamy, and spicy. I never had an Absinthe so complex. Very herbal.
OVERALL IMPRESSION 8/10
I will buy this again. Such a treat for your taste buds.
PERSONAL NOTES
I have had Stromu (checsinth), Pernod(EU version), and Absinth Century (checsinth). None of these can or do compare. Franco is my new benchmark! I still need to try the Jades, and also the Duplais.
Neptunati scores Clandestine Recette Marianne (Franco Suisse) 92 out of 100