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Absinthe

At the turn of the twentieth century, absinthe all but disappeared from around the world after being demonized and banned for the downfall of a nation. Much has changed since those dark times. In the early 1990s, the absinthe revival started and by 2005 it would be legal throughout Europe. Authentic absinthe and cheap substitutes would soon flood the market.

In October 2007, regulations prohibiting the sale of absinthe in the United States changed. New regulations allow it to be manufactured and distributed in the U.S., as well as imported from other countries.

There are now well over 200 brands of absinthe being produced and sold around the world. There are over 20 brands approved for sale in the U.S., many of which are produced locally.

  


Authentic absinthe is back...

Vive la Green Fairy...


 

Inspired by the elixir of Absinthe - artists, minstrels
and chasers of mayhem and mystery
seek out the Green Fairy...

Absinthe is historically described as a distilled, highly alcoholic (45–74% ABV / 90-148 proof) beverage. It is an anise-flavoured spirit derived from botanicals, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium ("grand wormwoom"), together with green anise and sweet fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs. Absinthe traditionally has a natural green colour but may also be colourless. Green absinthe gets its color from the green pigment found in the chlorophyll of herbs such as, roman wormwood, hyssop and lemon balm. Absinthe is referred to in historical literature as la fée verte -- the green fairy!

One of absinthe's most notable characteristics, aside from its mysterious green color, is the absinthe louche. This is when ice-cold water is added to absinthe and the mixture turns milky opalescent. The louche occurs due to the essential oils coming out of suspension from the alcohol as the ratio of water to alcohol increases. Real absinthe will produce a slow building louche that turns milky white. After the louche the aromas and flavors will open up and you will experience the full profile of the absinthe.

 

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A Taste for Absinthe Book by R. Winston Guthrie

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New absinthe book and
cocktail guide explores its
history and return to the
USA capturing its
romance and mystery.

 
Absinthe Buyers Guide