Nain Rouge Absinthe Verte

Overall:
This absinthe is simple in composition, but complex and layered in flavor profile. They list the majority of herbs used on the label, and they're pretty standard absinthe making herbs. But what I think adds to the complexity is they use some herbs for coloring that are normally used in the initial maceration, which seems to add a greater depth to the palate. There seems to be a lot of wormwood in this, and I think it was clever of them to use the peppermint for coloring because I think that's what's keeping the wormwood from being overpoweringly bitter.

Aroma:
Candied baking spice, star anise, and earthy wormwood without water. The botanicals hide the 60% abv very well. Water softens the aroma and brings out fresh, but not overpowering peppermint. Under that it's spicy baking spices and earthiness, while also light and powdered sugary. There's a milk chocolate note hidden in there that I quite like.
Appearance:
Deep peridot in the center with some yellow peridot edges.
Louche:
Clouds immediately roll in as the first drop of water drips into the glass. Grows into a dense, creamy cloud. Doesn't allow much light through.
Taste:
Trinity hits the tip of the tongue. The fennel is sugary, anise has a mild fruit note, the wormwood is minty. There's an omnipresent earthiness that eventually builds into a bitter crescendo on the back of the tongue. The peppermint swoops in preventing the bitterness from taking over, without becoming overpoweringly minty. After many sips, I'm finding some candied orange peel. There's some baking spice here, but it doesn't numb the tongue, just some light tingling now and then. Quite nice. Decadent mouthfeel with a lovely balance of sweet and bitter flavors. I think I'm also finding lemon verbena after a few glasses.
Finish:
Spicy baking spice and star anise at first. The spiciness fades into sweet anise and green earthy pleasant bitter. Eventually the individual flavors feed and leave a lingering sweet cool sensation all around.