Extrait d'Absinthe E.Albado, Habana. circa 1930
what does this mean? click here!
or download the scoresheet.
Country of Origin: Miscellaneous
Type: Distilled
Alcohol Level: 65 %
Description: The first bottle ever discovered of vintage Cuban absinthe. Pre-Castro Cuba had a considerable history of absinthe production - Hemingway drank it there, and used to stock up on his frequent marlin-fishing trips to the island, where he later bought a house. This bottle, produced by the Aldabo Distillery (also known as a rum and curacao producer) appears to be a good quality, naturally coloured absinthe, and likely dates from the mid 1930's. It's in overall excellent condition. This is a unique and almost certainly unrepeatable opportunity to taste an absinthe of the greatest historical interest and romance, most likely the exact product that gave rise to the famous 1931 Hemingway quote: “Got tight last night on absinthe and did knife tricks. Great success shooting the knife underhand into the piano."
Tasting notes: Nothing like the anise-rich Spanish style one might expect. Undiluted, the absinthe has a creamy, honeyed nose, and an unusually yellowish colour (less golden than it appears in the photographs). When iced water is added, the absinthe louches only faintly and a distinct wormwood aroma develops. On the palette there is a rum-like quality (undoubtedly the base alcohol for this was made from sugar cane) and an powerful bitter wormwood aftertaste, which lingers in the mouth. It's possible wormwood was used both in the macerate, and in the coloring step. A fascinating and very unusual absinthe.
Reviewed by Crosby & Head Prosthesis 1/20/2007
COLOR BEFORE WATER 6/10
Citrus yellow/green
LOUCHE ACTION 4/10
Very thin.
COLOR AFTER WATER 6/10
Looks like mountain dew.
AROMA 10/30
Slight smell like curry.
MOUTH-FEEL 4/10
Thin & Watery
TASTE 7/20
Dr. O-Sinthe. Very bitter. Definately colored with A. A.
OVERALL IMPRESSION 3/10
Nver had to sink vintage before. Pretty fuckin' nasty.
Crosby & Head Prosthesis scores E. Albado, Habana 40 out of 100