Talk about a premium absinthe, I enjoyed every last drop of this. Although it does taste and smell of pure alcohol straight, but when the french ritual is started it slowly turns from a green essence to a nice milky white louch. I find it hard not to drink this green fairy as I want to save it for a side by side comparison with my next absinthe order, which is hopefully soon. So far I find that a 2 to 1 ratio is best for me.