I took the photos that follow last evening when Karl and I walked our usual loop about 7:30 p.m. There was a strong breeze that had prompted wind warnings on Flathead Lake but at my house was a wonderful “wind in the pines”, “ruffle your hair” kind of breeze - perfect for a meander along our trail enjoying the woods, mountains and clouds of this particular evening.

Snow is gone from the mountain tops already!

I love catching the light.

We tried it.

Breathing…

We Netflixed this movie as Bill said the scene where the Johnny Depp character pours the Absinthe is the thing that got him interested. The Johnny Depp character is a London Inspector (detective) who works the “Jack the Ripper” case. JD’s character sees drug induced visions that help him solve crimes. The character not only does the “traditional sugar and water” into the Absinthe but a bit of laudanum (opium derivative) as well. We skipped the opium part….but watched the movie up to the Absinthe bit…which was plenty for me! - dark, dreary, hopeless feeling, late 1800’s London…

The pour - a shot of Lucid Absinthe. We each took a strip of the straight stuff. We both gasped. I LOVE most spirits straight up. This started out like nothing and THEN - like drinking liquid black liqorice with the heat of a cognac plus - VERY good! Bill felt mostly the heat. We added 1 ounce of water (cold, out of the frig through the door) and tried again. I liked the first sip best. Bill didn’t taste much this second sip and added a bit more water which produced the louch in his glass. I added an ice cube - I got louch also.

the louch - cloudiness… Iced was good! We both liked it iced.

We each added maybe 1/4 shot to our iced glasses - that was enough. While I enjoyed it, a little goes a long way for me. And, we felt the alcohol nearly immediately - at 62% or 124 proof, it is very strong. Our everyday scotch is 40%.

As I love the licorice/anise flavor, I can see enjoying a small amount every now and again…much like I enjoy a cognac or a brandy on the occasional cool evening outside or in front of the fire. Well worth the experience!