Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder - Comparison Paper

I love drinking, and I drink every chance that I get. I'm drinking right now while writing this paper. You see, I absolutely must for my research purposes. My topic for comparison is on the enchanting and hauntingly beautiful spirit known, and dearly loved, as absinthe. There is much to love about absinthe, and I hope for much success in explaining my unquenchable lust of this beverage nicknamed, "The Green Fairy." Absinthe harbors such mystery and variety, and I am currently pursuing several versions. I feel for research purposes, it would be best to compare two types of absinthe that were the first to enter the U.S. market, since the recent enactment of its 95 year ban. Absinthe was criminally banned for almost 100 years in this country; however, March 5th, 2007 was a day of requiem for such shameful persecution. Lucid is a French made verte, or green absinthe, and the first legal absinthe to gain approval for distribution in the U.S. since 1912. Mata Hari is a Czech-Bohemian brand, that arrived stateside18 months after the introduction of Lucid. Both are just so genuinely lovely in their own unique way.
The French method of preparation is alluringly ritualistic. A sugar cube is placed upon a small slotted spoon over a glass containing one ounce of absinthe. Ice water is slowly and methodically dripped onto the sugar into the glass. The bright green color of the absinthe starts to evolve into a pale and creamy jade tone. This elegant union and process is called louching. Louching releases the herbal aromas and allows them to bloom and meld into a very strong bouquet. After the sugar is completely dissolved, the consumption can begin. The Czech-Bohemian method is similar to the French, with the tantalizing addition of fire. A sugar cube is presoaked with absinthe, and placed upon a spoon over one ounce of liqueur. The cube is set ablaze and then dropped into the glass igniting the absinthe. Cooking the absinthe will sadly remove some of the alcohol. However dear friends the average alcohol content measures 145 proof so no need to worry of this small sacrifice for the greater greener good. Our "Flaming Green Fairy" is then doused with one small shot of ice water. This method produces a much stronger, but smaller in volume drink.
Now as I guzzle, or sip, (lady-like style, of course) my Lucid from my left hand, I take a moment to admire the haunting green eyes on the bottle that stare through me and view my inner most conceptions of the flavor. Anise, very similar to black licorice, completely fills the room with a pheromone-like essence. Although the flavor of this “verte” is more of a bold wallop of herbs that immediately burns me to my innermost core, as this particular brand is 122 proof. The payoff is in the finish, surprisingly creamy and candied, and soothing to my first encounter. I'm completely in such love with this one drink. So much, I'll try my fairy in my right hand now... and hold onto the table with my left. Mata Hari is charmingly serving me two glasses from the picture on her bottle. I'm not sure I can trust her offer, being that I'm so relaxed and lightheaded from my visit with the French. As I participate in the Czech-Bohemian baptism by fire, a toasted marshmallow aroma whiffs up from the sugar, and lingers only a moment longer after being extinguished. Mata's introduction is so velvety and floral on the palette. The strong, anise tang is subdued and not as prevalent as it was in Lucid. I find it to be very honey flavored in the finish as I complete my research... now lying upon the floor.
I've had a positively delightful time crafting this paper. My comparison topic for how dearly loved, and enchanted and how hauntingly beautiful I find absinthe to be, has sadly drawn to the end. I find great beauty in both sampled versions of this libation. I will continue extensive research projects on my own, as my quest is far from over. Much more is to be investigated with many, many more absinthes. From the color, the aroma, and the flavors of the many varieties, this inquisition will last as long as my liver can hold up. Good night, and I love you, and all the pretty green fairies, so many much.