• La Clandestine Absinthe
• La Fée Parisienne Absinthe
• Lucid Absinthe Supérieure
• Obsello Absinthe Verte
• Vieux Carré Absinthe Supérieure

Absinthe is an anise flavored herbal spirit containing Artemisia absinthium, a species of wormwood native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. Within this wormwood is a chemical known as Thujone which was once said to be much like the THC in Marijuana, giving you psychedelic reactions. Historically, Absinthe was banned from many countries including the United States and most of Europe (not including the United Kingdom and a few others) because of its supposed effect on people.

The banning of absinthe was completed around 1915, mostly due to the lack of understanding and science behind Thujone and its effects on humans. Of course, prohibition was around the corner and tolerance for such spirits was already at an all-time low. People were said to hallucinate on the chemical but many subjects were already raging alcoholics and the use of any high proofed alcohols could cause such a reaction. Anti-alcohol movements grasped onto these stories of death and delusion to push their own agendas.

Today, we understand Absinthe and the wormwood component. Thujone, the primary oil in wormwood, is present in only trace amounts within Absinthe because it resists the distillation processes. The early studies of Thujone were largely incorrect; the chemical has no relation to THC and has no scientific proof behind the mythical hallucinations. New detailed scientific studies show that authentic absinthe had very little wormwood and any chemical reaction from Thujone would require the body to survive massive alcohol poisoning from the distilled alcohol. The wormwood wasn't the problem, it was the societies desire for banishment that was to blame.

These new studies have helped bring Absinthe back to the United States under established laws and guidelines along with other European countries. Starting with Lucid Absinthe in 2007, new brands are entering the market each year. We've got Vieux Carré, La Fée and many others here in the US, each with their own unique distinction. Just remember, Absinthe isn't an illegal product anymore and we're free to explore its possibilities. It's also not a cheap spirit, the rare species of herbs within the absinthe recipe drive up the cost of the product. Expect to spend USD $60 for a typical bottle of absinthe.

For more on Absinthe, checkout: Wormwood Society

Preparing Absinthe, typically requires Louching. In some cases, louching is performed by dripping cold water through a sugar cube positioned on an absinthe spoon at the top of the glass. This form of louching sweetens the absinthe as well as clouding it, masking the bitter flavor of natural absinthe. The sugar cube also acts as a filter, slowing the flow rate of the water to ensure that it drips slowly into the glass, as dumping water into a glass of absinthe does not achieve the desired aesthetic effect.

Other consumers prefer to skip the sugar cube, simply dripping water with a steady hand directly into the glass to generate the desired cloudy absinthe. Water can also be drizzled through a spoon to control the rate of flow. This type of louching is best recommended for naturally sweet absinthes or consumers who are familiar with the bitter flavor of unsweetened absinthe. It does have the benefit of allowing the natural flavors in the absinthe to come through, resulting in a more complex mouthfeel. ¹⁾

Websites to buy absinthe supplies and hardware:

• Absinthe Devil