Many have preconceived notions of Absinthe, and just as many of us have had personal experiences with the green fairy. Can we really go insane from imbibing? Possibly, but it’s not from the liquor. I recently had a chance to sit down with Erich Harbowy, a distiller at the local Leopold Bros. Distillery. While we tasted, we discussed the lore behind this almost mythological spirit.
Traditional absinthe is distilled with the plant Grande Wormwood (actually categorized as a noxious weed here in Colorado). Banned in the US for many years, people believe it is this ingredient that causes hallucinations. Wrong. Others think it’s because of a compound called Thujone which exists in Absinthe. While research has deemed this compound a neurotoxin, it would take extremely large amounts before you would even notice it’s effects. The US doesn’t allow any spirit with more than trace amounts of Thujone. Absinthe has been clouded in mystery, but there is nothing in modern absinthe that causes hallucinations, blindness or insanity.
For a period during the 1960′s, many European absinthe producers would actually add chemicals like cyanide to achieve a hallucinogenic effect. Playing off the false misconception, these producers wanted to appeal to the young tourists visiting Europe.
Ultimately, quality absinthe is available from many small producers here in the US. And it won’t make you “trip” any more than a moldy piece of cheese would. So if you’re adventurous, and love the flavor of anise, go get yourself some.
[EDIT] An old colleague of mine suggested I add a little about the service of absinthe. This could be an entire article in itself, but no matter what, you must dilute the absinthe. Most absinthe ranges from 60% to %70 alcohol, or 120 to 140 proof. This stuff will literally blister the back of your throat, so dilute with at least 50% water.
