Speaking of blanche absinthes, you too can get in on a prototype, or test brewing, blanche from the good folks at LdF (Liqueurs de France). One of the neatest things about the absinthe business is that you can try out early versions of a possible masterpiece, by purchasing test distillations. This is 'Essai 3', or third trial batch, and we've been hearing some good things about the earlier Blanche Traditionelle "Brut d'alambic" prototypes. Produced by the same distiller of the award-winning Absinthe Duplais, here's what they have to say about it:

This "essai 3" (third trial) absinthe blanche also follows the historic 'Absinthe Suisse Blanche' recipe (which does not include a final coloring step), using a single, mixed-plant alembic charge. This third batch has been modified by increasing the percentage of green anise used, while slightly reducing the fennel content. It still is being bottled without any water reduction as a full 81.3% alcohol distillate.