- What defines a 'genuine' absinthe?

In accordance with the views of absinthe experts in Europe and the US, a genuine absinthe is always distilled directly from a mixture of whole herbs in alcohol, which should be a neutral spirit of agricultural origin. It should never be cold mixed from industrial extracts or steam distilled essences or oils. To be true to tradition, the herbs must include Grande Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), as well as European green anise and sweet fennel, and can include other culinary herbs. An authentic absinthe verte receives its traditional green color directly from the whole herbs, and should never be colored with artificial colorants or chemicals (e.g., FD&C dyes). Genuine absinthe should never contain sugar as bottled, so it should not be classified as a liqueur. Finally, a quality, genuine French absinthe will always contain a higher concentration of alcohol to preserve its herbal content and natural green color, 60-72% being typical.

- What is the difference between Grande Wormwood and Southernwood (or Southern Wormwood)?

Southernwood (Aremisia abrotanum—sometimes referred to as Southern Wormwood) bears little resemblance to Grande Wormwood and has a completely different flavor and chemistry. Genuine absinthe, such as the absinthe made during the Belle Époque period in France, has always been made with Grande Wormwood as a key ingredient. In fact, the word "absinthe" itself is derived from the scientific name for Grande Wormwood—Artemisia absinthium.