San Francisco Absinthe Awards

An event fast becoming noteworthy on the calender in terms of absinthe is the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

It is true that in previous years that the (lack of) knowledge and discernment has been reflected in the absinthe products that have surprisingly received awards.  Oh, don’t get me wrong – I’m sure the judges selected have been experts in their fields in wine, mainstream spirits and cocktail creations – bit the relative obscurity of absinthe in the commercial mainstream until quite recently can only raise the question as to what the basis of comparison was for some of the decisions?

We have moved on a bit – and perhaps the most fascinating trend to emerge from the competition is the proliferation of new American absinthe products from artisan distillers throwing their hat into the ring (and relative absence of high end European brands with an exception or two).

While most of these products are not yet available in Australia, it is a good idea to become familiar with the new offerings emerging in the American markets, and ponder whether we might see something of the Old World-New World divide emerging in the future, not unlike wine.

Gold Medal Winner

Vieux Carre Absinthe Superieure, Pennsylvania, USA

Silver Medal Winner

Obsello Absinthe Verte, Spain

Bronze Medal Winners

Redux Absinthe, Ohio, USA

Leopold Bros. Absinthe Verte, USA

Versinthe Absinthe, France