Ancestors Distilling 'Absinthe Classique' Liqueur, Colorado

Moonlit jade swirls through the glass as a slow stream of water awakens the louche of Ancestors Distilling “Absinthe Classique” Liqueur, Colorado, turning clear spirit into a hazy, opalescent cloud. What begins as a sharp, crystalline pour soon softens into something dreamlike and aromatic, an old-world ritual reimagined through Colorado craft, equal parts tradition, intensity, and quiet reverence for the Green Fairy’s past.

Product Details:

• Distiller/ Owner: Wes Panther
• Category: Herbal liqueur
• Base Grain: Corn (gluten-free)
• Key Info: Contains wormwood
• ABV: 65% (130 proof)

Sensory Description:

In the glass, the spirit first shows as clear and bright before the addition of water, blossoming it into a pale, clouded hue, hinting at natural botanicals rather than artificial color. The nose opens with classic absinthe aromatics, licorice-like notes, cooling herbs, and lifted citrus botanicals. On the palate, the high proof provides a firm, warming spine, yet dilution coaxes out a silky, enveloping texture. Layers of anise-driven sweetness, alpine herbs, subtle florals, and a gentle earthiness from the wormwood unfold slowly, finishing long, clean, and resonant with sweet herbal tones and spice.

Distiller's Background:

Ancestors Distilling reflects the vision of owner-distiller Wes Panther, whose family lineage spans generations of alcohol craft, from historic German brewing to modern American distilling. After years of bartending and apprenticing across the Southern United States and the East Coast, Panther returned to Colorado to establish a distillery grounded in small-batch precision and respect for classic spirit traditions. “Absinthe Classique” exemplifies this ethos: a corn-based, gluten-free absinthe built on historic technique, layered with carefully selected botanicals, and crafted to mirror the authenticity of old-world absinthes while expressing the character of its Colorado origin.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at cool room temperature, then prepare traditionally by pouring one part Absinthe Classique into an absinthe or small tulip-shaped glass, slowly dripping three to five parts ice-cold water until the louche forms fully. A sugar cube is optional for added softness. A typical serving is 1–1.5 ounces of absinthe before dilution, ideally ending around 50–55°F to balance aromatics and texture. This absinthe also lends precision and aromatic lift to cocktails such as a Sazerac variation, Corpse Reviver riffs, or any drink requiring a measured herbal intensity. For food pairing, consider briny oysters, soft goat cheese, citrus-accented salads, or dark chocolate capable of matching the spirit’s depth.