ALANDIA Barrel Cut Absinthe combines the best of two worlds: Genuine premium Absinthe and the complex notes of a barrel-aged spirit. We begin by distilling a traditional Absinthe using wormwood, green anise, and fennel. For the Shiraz Cask Edition, we use Shiraz wine alcohol as the base instead of a neutral grain spirit, adding extra complexity and a rich fruitiness. In the next step, the Absinthe matures for several months in casks previously used for Shiraz red wine. During this time, it develops additional flavor depth and a natural coloration. For the final touch, we infuse the barrel-aged Absinthe with Anisée, an aniseed spirit that was also highly popular in the 19th century. The result is a naturally colored Absinthe with a bold character and complex notes from the barrel.
INFO: The Shiraz Cask Edition is limited to 134 bottles. Each bottle is enumerated by hand.
Tasting Notes: Absinthe Aged in Shiraz Red Wine Cask
This unique Absinthe presents an intriguing fusion of classic herbal complexity and rich cask influence. Aged in a Shiraz red wine barrel, it departs from traditional Absinthe profiles, revealing a deeper, more contemplative character.
Nose: The aroma opens with the unmistakable freshness of anise and fennel, soon enveloped by warm, oxidative notes reminiscent of aged sherry. Subtle hints of dried figs, raisins, and toasted almonds emerge, layered over a foundation of wormwood and delicate floral herbs.
Palate: On the palate, the wine cask aging becomes more apparent—not through fruity red berry notes, but rather through a mature, vinous depth. The flavor leans toward sun-dried fruits - raisins, sultanas, and a touch of prune - evoking sherry more than Shiraz. A soft, nutty richness complements the traditional herbal core, with a gentle sweetness balanced by a drying tannic edge from the cask.
Finish: The finish is long and warming, echoing dried fruit and oak spice, with lingering herbal bitterness and a whisper of anise and fennel sweetness.
The Barrel Cut Absinthe Project
Absinthe Barrel Cut is made in cooperation with the German Absinthe and Whiskey connoisseurs SaarWhisky. The distillery is known for their innovative Absinthes and premium single cask Whiskeys. Their long experience with barrel aged spirits influenced the development and making of the product. More projects are planned for the future. The idea is to offer different Absinthes under the line "Barrel Cut". Until now, the Whiskey Cask and Shiraz Cask Editions are available for sale.
