Jade Absinthe Terminus Oxygénée is the final release in the Jade Absinthe portfolio of historically accurate Absinthes. It is a very special Absinthe, as it plays homage to one of the most interesting Absinthes of the Belle Époque era: Absinthe Oxygénée. This brand separated itself from its peers by a specialized hot oxygenation production process. This treatment was advertised as being “Hygiénique”, because drinking a glass of this Absinthe would not extract oxygen from the blood but rather add oxygen to it, which would have a healing effect on the nerve system, circulation and lungs… In a way, this new production method was a reaction to several scientists and scholars proclaiming that alcohol, and absinthe above all – the scapegoat of the French wine industry – was very dangerous to consumers’ health.
Besides being good for your health, this claim was actually also used for advertisement "C´est ma santé" (see picture in the gallery) the oxygenation process also lets the Absinthe age very quickly. You can compare it with decanting a wine, allowing oxygen to mix with the molecules of the spirit, changing its taste and aroma. The result is a very smooth Absinthe without any alcoholic sharpness. The original brand was the subject of widespread publicity, sold at a premium, and was exported to various ports around the globe.
Tasting Notes: Jade Absinthe Terminus Oxygénée
Jade Terminus Oxygénée Absinthe Supérieure is artisanally distilled from the same botanicals as the original. The taste is herbal, slightly reminding of medicine due to a healthy dose of a particularly interesting species of wormwood harvested from the foothills of the Alps. True to the original, the final product is also subjected to a hot oxygenation process that closely mirrors the original technique. On the tongue, the Absinthe is creamy, features lovely aromatics and a lengthy, stimulating herbal aftertaste. Like all the Jade Absinthes, Terminus Oxygénée is carefully distilled by T. A. Breaux, using the original 19th century Absinthe alembics in the historical Combier distillery. Terminus Oxygénée Absinthe represents the most sophisticated expression of the spirits in the Jade portfolio.
Ted Breaux: The master distiller of Jade Absinthe
Ted Breaux is an American chemist and distiller renowned for his pioneering work in the modern Absinthe industry. He played a pivotal role in resurrecting authentic Absinthe, a spirit that had been banned in many countries for much of the 20th century due to its controversial reputation and alleged hallucinogenic properties.
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Breaux's early career was rooted in environmental chemistry, where he developed a strong foundation in analytical techniques. His interest in Absinthe was sparked by his curiosity about its history and mystique. This curiosity led him to Europe, where he studied vintage bottles of Absinthe using advanced gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. Breaux's meticulous analysis revealed that the notorious spirit did not contain harmful levels of thujone, the compound once believed to cause its psychoactive effects. His findings were instrumental in debunking long-standing myths about Absinthe's safety and effects.
In 2000, Breaux founded Jade Liqueurs, a company dedicated to producing high-quality Absinthe based on traditional recipes and methods. His Absinthes are celebrated for their authenticity and fidelity to pre-ban Absinthe formulas. Through Jade Liqueurs, Breaux has produced several Absinthe brands, each meticulously crafted to replicate the characteristics of historical brands.
Breaux's work has not only revived Absinthe but also influenced regulatory changes, particularly in the United States and Europe, where bans on Absinthe were lifted or relaxed largely due to the scientific evidence he provided. His expertise and passion have earned him recognition as one of the foremost authorities on Absinthe, often sought after for his knowledge on the subject. Beyond Absinthe, Ted Breaux is involved in producing other spirits and continues to contribute to the broader field of craft distilling. His legacy is marked by a commitment to authenticity, scientific rigor, and a deep appreciation for the cultural heritage of spirits.
