Mt. Defiance Absinthe (136 proof / 68% ABV) is a small artisanal distilling operation based in Middleburg, Va. Founding partner Marc Chretien, along with distiller Peter Ahlf, have been producing their absinthe locally for years. Their absinthe is loosely based on a Parisian recipe from 1857.  The final product has an aroma of fennel, mint, and lemon balm and finishes with a anise taste.

Mt. Defiance uses the same all natural ingredients for their absinthe as were used in similar makings during the turn of the last century France, featuring Grand Wormwood, Lemon Balm and Hyssop all grown in Virginia, while also bringing in aniseed from Andalucía, Spain, and golden fennel from Provence, France.  We make our absinthe using a traditional copper alembic still in very small batches.

The Wormwood Society’s Brian Robinson gives Mt. Defiance a 4.2 stars out of a possible 5. Brian also says “a fantastic representation of a traditional absinthe crafted by someone who knows his stuff,” and "Highly recommended for the absinthe newcomer and connoisseur alike."