Grande Absente is bottled at 69% abv which is getting pretty high on the alcohol content. But, this is also balanced in two ways. The absinthe is sweeter than many, and it also contains more absinthe (bittering). Out of the bottle, the nose is immediately of black licorice and anise. The flavor is sweet, as mentioned, but still pretty intense undiluted. Adding some water (no sugar cube needed), tones down the heat, leaving a flavor very much like black licorice.