![]() The chemical in absinthe that can cause hallucinations is called thujone, a component in wormwood. In theory, it could do, but in reality it is highly unlikely. ![]() These use artificial colour and flavourings to produce their spirits, and generally do not have the same depth of flavour. While there are many traditionally produced absinthes available, there are also a number of ‘compounded’ spirits on the market. Immediately after distillation the spirit is clear and can be bottled as a blance vertes are traditionally coloured green by infusing the spirit with more botanicals before bottling. The two main types of absinthe are verte and blanche, green and clear. Photo by Autopilot (own work) via Wikimedia Commons How absinthe is madeĪbsinthe is a distilled spirit flavoured with bitter wormwood and a variety of other botanicals, including sweet anis and fennel, as well as many others. The bans have now been overturned and the spirit is legally available again – the resurgence of absinthe in the UK and further afield is gaining pace.Ībsinthe was both feted and feared for its hallucinogenic properties, and was consumed by poets and artists in search of inspiration, as depicted in Albert Maignan’s 1895 painting, Green Muse / A traditional absinthe fountain. Unfortunately bad press and the rise of temperance early in the 20th century led to its almost universal banning across the world. Originally produced as a medicine in the latter half of the 18th century, it became a popular aperitif and eventually an icon of France’s Belle Epoque. ![]() Fortunately we are now seeing its popularity grow, which is helping to shine a light on the spirit. Yet it’s Absente’s connection to these days gone by that makes it an easy choice among the other green bottles on the shelf.Absinthe is a spirit with a chequered history, surrounded by misconceptions and propaganda. The market has changed since Absente sat on shelves as the only true absinthe in the U.S. Because the brand is closely associated with the artist himself, Absente is fully benefiting from the interest generated by the 3D Van Gogh exhibitions popping up all over the U.S. The water turns the absinthe cloudy, an effect called louche, and lets the flavors of the spirit unfold and open for a delightful aperitif.Įach bottle of Absente comes with the legendary absinthe spoon used for the ritual, packaged in a box featuring Van Gogh’s self-portrait. Then, drip two ounces of cold water over the sugar. Pour two ounces of Absente in a glass, upon which a sugar-cube-topped absinthe spoon is placed. The historic way to serve Absente is through the traditional “absinthe ritual” method that was popular in the 1800s. It also holds its own in refreshing absinthe spritzes and tonics, adding an herbaceous note without overwhelming. Convinced that the future of absinthe would best be found by looking to the past, Roux chose Absente from a group of 200 ancient absinthe recipes.Ībsente pairs beautifully in beloved classic cocktails like the Sazerac. market and creating Bombay Sapphire in the 1980s. Its connection to the French absinthes of the 19th century makes Absente all the more desirable today.Ībsente is made using a 160-year-old recipe chosen by Michel Roux, a legendary spirits marketing executive known for introducing Absolut vodka to the U.S. Today, Absente is the leading name in absinthe for both dedicated fans and those who are curious about the Green Fairy that fueled creative minds like Vincent Van Gogh and Oscar Wilde. (When lifting the ban in 1999, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives limited thujone content to 10 milligrams per liter.) By “authentic,” we mean that Absente is distilled from wormwood and therefore contains thujone, the fabled, mind-altering substance naturally present in the herb, which initially led to absinthe bans. This advertising content was produced in collaboration with our partner, Crillon Importers.Ībsinthe’s story in the United States restarted with Absente Absinthe Refined in 1999, when Absente became the first authentic absinthe to be legally sold in the U.S.
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