The Green Fairy is green. But how does the green color come into the Absinthe?

The color of Absinthe results out of the maceration of various herbs, which are added to the colorless spirit after distillation. This means after distillation Absinthe is not green, it is a clear but flavorful distillate. When no herbs are added for maceration after this primary distillation you will have a  “Blanche” or “Bleue” Absinthe.

A Verte – a green Absinthe – goes through a second process. Additional herbs are infused and the chlorophyll gives the Fairy it´s alluring green color. Besides the coloration, the herbs enhance the flavor profile.

A Verte is always more “herbal” and masculine from the taste, compared to a Blanche or Bleue.  Common coloration herbs are melissa, hyssop or artemisia pontica. Historically, artificial colorings were fairly common in cheaper Absinthes but not used by the best producers.  Nowadays you find Absinthe in various colors (black, violette, red, yellow and even blue). Although only the green and red color (colored with flowers) is historically authentic.

Interesting side information: Green Absinthe is filled in dark bottles, because direct sunlight destroys the natural chlorophyll based coloration.