Cribbed from the DYI thread:

"'Share the Louche' - sounds like the name of a Tribe I'd like to join :D

My guess (and it is only a guess, although I may have some practical evidence to back this up in another week or so) is that you need to use a stronger acohol as your solvent. Start your soak with 80 proof or stronger (151 or 190 proof Pure Grain Alcohol if you can get it). If you want to add the wine flavors in, add them later.

I've got a small batch of something that isn't even close to absinthe (except maybe the color), and I'm curious to know if it will have a louche like Absinthe does. It's soaking in 190 proof, so after I filter it out, I will try a test. In fact, I think I will video my test to have a record I can share with you."


...and also:

"I have filtered the batch I was soaking, and the first test showed a strong louche.

I have it on video, but am having difficulty sending that video to my webspace.

The solution contained no wormwood, no anise, no hyssop, no fennel and no calamus root. It did have some mint in it, and one other (not-to-be-named) substance.

Upon closer observation, I have noticed that the louche passes with time. It also appears to accumulate on the surface. My guess is that I am seeing some kind of outgassing effect, and that the cloudiness is caused by microbubbles which are released as the water and liquor combine. I do not know if temperature is a factor (ice water vs. room temp water, for example - I used ice water). The outgassing (if that's what it is) appears to emit a substantial amount of fragrance.

I still think that it has to do with how strong the alcohol is for your initial soak."


...and now:

I have just uploaded the video to my photo host. The file is about 32-34Megs and is a .wmv file. It can be accesses at www.thipdar.com/vidz/Louchetest.wmv


I'm sorry it took me so long to get this up to the photo server.


Kurt