Absinthe Reviewed: Eichelberger Absinthe 58 Blanche

Distiller:
Brennerei Familie Wild
Taxöldern, Germany
Louche:
This absinthe louches rather quickly considering is 58% alcohol.  The resulting louche was a deep milkly white at 3:1 water/absinthe ratio.
Aroma:
Upon opening the bottle the aroma released was mildly woody reminisant of fresh pipe Tobacco.  Also coming across was a sweetness from the  fennel. There was also a slight alcohol scent. 
Mouth Feel:
This absinthe has a arrives smooth with a slight charge of herbs coating the mouth.  Lingering is a tingle on the tongue.
Taste:
This absinthe does a great job of  balancing the anise and fennel  They form a solid base for the more aromatic herbs added to this absinthe. These other herbs, along with wormwood, come across quickly and bring a sharp citrus flavor that is very refreshing and prominent.   It is slightly bitter but leaves a lingering fresh lemon flavor on the palate.
Overall Impressions:
I’m drawn to this absinthe because of the citrus flavors.  How these flavors are developed is a secret only known by the distiller and the recipe creator.  Perhaps it’s from fresh wormwood and/or a mixture of herbs that can yield a lemony taste like lemon balm.  I like Eichelberger because it is unique and stands out from other absinthes I’ve sampled.    
About Eichelberger:
Eichelberger was borne from an German online absinthe forum.  These dedicated distillers of homemade absinthe (Hausgemachts or homemade. HG for short) wanted to change the landscape of German absinthe.  Up to this time, most of the absinthe (if you can call it that) produced in Germany was a smattering of oil mixes not fit for consumption.   The forum tested the skills of these German HG’ers and the standout was began commercial production of his favored absinthe.  The standout was Michael Weinzierl and a small family-run absinthe in Bavaria began production of 30 liters of his absinthe recipe.  This line of absinthes has since expanded and it appears that the group from Germany has indeed changed the landscape of the absinthe industry in their country.  Bravo!

After sampling Eichelberger stateside, I set out to visit the distillery in Germany.  I arrived in Bavaria while on other business and was saddened to see that the distillery was open only to groups of 12 or more.   I was able to buy many bottles of Eichelberger in the neighboring city of Regensburg.  There was but one store that carried it:  Here’s the info:


Rehorik GmbH
Am Brixener Hof 6
93047 Regensburg

While not easy to find, the walk in the rain was worth it.  I was able to secure a number of bottles destined for my home bar back in the USA.