Pastis and a G-string: Absinthe part 2, Lucid (updated)

Absinthe became notorious for two reasons: it was popular with artists and it was thought to cause insanity. If you would like to be a crazy artist, here's two things to consider about absinthe.

1. Artists drank absinthe because it was the cheapest thing on the menu.

2. Absinthe won't make you crazier than any other alcoholic beverage will.

In part 1, we tried Absente and Green Moon, two drinks that may or may not be Absinthe, but we couldn't get our hands on "the real thing," that is, Lucid or Kübler. But that has changed as we found a store in NYC, Park Avenue Liquor Shop, that ships. And ships quickly, they must cater to the most demanding of alcoholics; our delivery got here, safe & sound, in 30 hours.
How is it? The good news is, just as reported, Lucid has less of a licorice taste than Absente. And, like Absente, it has a pleasant peppery aftertaste. The bad news is that it has a pronounced chemical taste, almost gassy in flavor, like a robot fart. I tried diluting it, but that just made it watery. For the second glass I doubled up on the sugar, and that helped a little, but I still wasn't loving it. I have yet to try a third glass.
It occurs to me that perhaps we don't have the same tastes as those who have come before us. Absinthe comes from a time when fruitcake and horehound candies were considered yummy. Another thought: while the makers of Lucid may have gotten it chromatographically correct, perhaps they should have given their concoction a little more soul, or at the very least, a bit more flavor. Having said that, I think I'll go have another. Next up, when I can afford it, Kübler - or maybe St. George Absinthe Verte.

Update: 3 cubes to the wind

Maybe I was a bit hasty with my first impressions. I tried Lucid with 3 sugar cubes; it made all the difference in the world. It's good, real good, and the chemical taste all but disappeared. Here's my recipe:

• 1 part Lucid absinthe
• 3 - 4 parts cold water
• 3 lumps sugar (1.5 tsp)
  

"The Absinthe Glass Show," Dita Von Teese (A different sort of historical reenactor than most.)

Go to Kübling away the green hour: Absinthe Part 3