As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Lucid is indeed a real absinthe. It is a groundbreaking development in the world of spirits, as it is the first genuine absinthe made with real Grande Wormwood to be legally available in the United States in over 95 years. This is a significant milestone, considering the long and complicated history surrounding absinthe and its legality.
To understand why Lucid is considered a real absinthe, it is important to delve into the key ingredient that sets it apart – Grande Wormwood, scientifically known as Artemisia absinthium. Absinthe has always been known for its association with wormwood, specifically the compound called thujone found in wormwood. Thujone is what gives absinthe its characteristic herbal and slightly bitter flavor profile. However, for many years, wormwood was banned in the United States due to concerns about thujone's potential toxic effects.
Lucid has managed to navigate these legal hurdles and source the highest quality Grande Wormwood from Europe. This herb is the foundation of their absinthe, providing the authentic and traditional flavor that absinthe enthusiasts seek. By including Grande Wormwood, Lucid is able to capture the essence and spirit of the classic absinthes that were enjoyed by artists and writers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
But Lucid doesn't rely solely on Grande Wormwood to create its unique flavor profile. Just like traditional absinthes, it incorporates a blend of other fine European herbs, carefully selected to complement and enhance the overall taste. These herbs may include green anise, fennel, hyssop, lemon balm, and others, each contributing their own distinct characteristics to the final product.
I have had the pleasure of tasting Lucid absinthe myself, and I can attest to its authenticity. The aroma is rich and herbal, with hints of anise and a subtle earthiness from the wormwood. The taste is complex, with a delightful balance of sweetness and bitterness, and a lingering herbal finish. It is a truly immersive experience, reminiscent of the absinthes enjoyed by the bohemian crowds of the past.
Lucid is unquestionably a real absinthe. Its use of genuine Grande Wormwood, along with a careful selection of other European herbs, sets it apart from the impostors that flooded the market during absinthe's prohibition. It is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of the distillers behind Lucid, who have successfully brought back the true essence of absinthe to the United States after a long hiatus.