Legendary original absinthe, long banned in the United States and worldwide, is now available. Affecionados of historic, boutique liquors are discovering original absinthe and seeing for themselves if its supposed hallucinogenic effects are indeed a mystery.
Absinthe has long been controversial, and in fact unavailable worldwide since the early 20th century. It is distilled with an herb called grande wormwood, whose active ingredient thujone is purported to cause hallucinogenic effects. Several famous tormented artists of European literary circles were well known as absinthe drinkers.
Absinthe's banning may or may not have stemmed from exaggerated accounts of its hallucinogenic properties, but it was a preferred drink of many famous authors and artists, including Vincent Van Gogh and Ernest Hemingway. Van Gogh was supposedly accompanied by an empty bottle of absinthe when he sliced off his ear in order to gain the attention of an estranged lover. Meanwhile, Hemingway frequently noted that absinthe seemed to enhance his creativity and passion for writing.
In actuality, absinthe was banned worldwide due to poor distilling techniques over 100 years ago. That, and a misconception about the supposed "powers" of absinthe, maintained the ban until it was lifted in 2007.
Absinthe in normally produced in Europe, with Czech absinthe being the most prominent and in our opinion, the best and most original. Absinthe is high in alcohol content, yet many new absinthe drinkers report they remain quite clear headed. Speculation exists that this phenomenon is due to absinthe's unique main ingredients.
Absinthe's main active ingredient, thujone, is found naturally in many flowers and plants. Thujone supposedly creates a pleasant, creative effect when consumed, which may be why there is now a renewed interest in absinthe. There are traditional ways to serve and drink absinthe, most notably a process called louching (pronounced loosh-ing).
To experience absinthe in the traditional louching method, a small cocktail glass, slotted spoon, and a sugar cube are needed. Pour a jigger of absinthe into the glass and place the sugar cube in the slotted spoon over the open glass. Then, slowly pour 5 or so ounces of ice water over the sugar cube, into the glass. This will cause the sugar cube to dissolve into the absinthe.
Watch What Happens Now
As the sugar cube dissolves into the absinthe, you'll see the absinthe change colors into a cloudy, opaque green. When this happens, hold the glass to your nose and inhale through your nose. You'll notice the fragrant smell of licorice and anise, while the alcohol content is gently reduced by the sugar cube.
When you taste absinthe, you may be reminded of pernod. To me, this is a valid comparison but in my estimation, original absinthe has a somewhat stronger taste as well as a more pronounced feel on the palate.
Specialty liquor conniseurs will enjoy absinthe. Experience a traditional European variety for a true historic cocktail. And if you suddenly gain an artistic flair, so much the better!
Original absinthe is called the King of Spirits, and is now available after a worldwide ban was lifted in 2007. Experience a traditional European variety, and visit us for more original absinthe recommendations, including How To Drink Absinthe .
