REAL Absinthe from overseas. Have you tried it?

Contributor: wetone123 wetone123
Recently it has come to my attention that I would like to try Absinthe, but in the US it lacks the thujone/wormwood qualities (banned by FDA) that is rumored to have inspired artists and writers to create such as Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pablo Picasso, Oscar Wilde, Edgar Allen Poe, and many,many others.

I've studied up on it and know it will have a bitter taste, but like the sugar cube ritual of dripping ice cold water over the sugar cube on an Absinthe spoon in the french fashion to create a Louche.

Some say the inspirations it gave these artists and writers was due to the alcohol consumption alone, not the mix of herbs used to make it.

I am very curious and would like you to answer the poll.

If you have tried an overseas version of Absinthe, what brand was it? Did you like it? Did it bring about any inspiration to create for you?

I have a homemade recipe, and wonder about trying to make it myself as the so-called best Absinthe seem to be high priced.
Answers (public voting - your screen name will appear in the results):
Have you tried the overseas/illegal (here in US) version of Absinthe ?
aliceinthehole , 12345678 , jokerzwild , GONE! , Bethy Cassatt , dv8
6
Did you like it? If so what brand did you try? Answer below please
GONE! , Bethy Cassatt
2
Did you create the French Louche or the more modern Czech Fire Louche ?
Dawn (Lilac Distraction) , jokerzwild , GONE!
3
Did you release the Green Fairy?
Do you think it's just a myth that drinking Real/True Absinthe using the Louche method brought the inspiration to these 19th century writers and artists?
Did it give you inspiration to create?
GONE!
1
Do you think it's all just rumor or hype?
Bullfroggy and Rose , jokerzwild
2
No, but I would like to try it
Badass , Deeder , K101 , Beck , Lover of Leather , sexxxkitten , Peggi , Raigne , Hekate101 , PeaceToTheMiddleEast , P'Gell , Hallmar82 , cryinglightning86
13
I have no interest in trying it
underHim , Taylor , powerandintent , NurseKitty , Tangles , ViVix , DeliciousSurprise , unfulfilled , adam71 , DustBunny
10
I can make my own! And have
Total votes: 37 (31 voters)
Poll is closed
04/16/2012
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Contributor: aliceinthehole aliceinthehole
Quote:
Originally posted by wetone123
Recently it has come to my attention that I would like to try Absinthe, but in the US it lacks the thujone/wormwood qualities (banned by FDA) that is rumored to have inspired artists and writers to create such as Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, ... more
i've only had it once, and didn't realize what it was supposed to do to you. i don't know what brand or anything it was, but it had real wormwood root in it, we swallowed it.

that was one of the most horrible nights, because i ended up making a really bad decision, one i most certainly would not have made had i not been so fucked up.

i wasn't inspired at all, just really fucking drunk.

i'll never try absinthe again, just because that experience left such a horrible taste in my mouth.
04/16/2012
Contributor: Chirple Chirple
I don't believe that absinthe is or ever was anything more than liquor. The mercury that Oscar Wilde took for syphilis probably had more of an effect than it did. Not to mention things like lead content in food and such.

I don't agree that it should be bitter, unless you like it that way and choose to add less sugar, but that still depends on the brand (some are sweeter than others). Back in the day, people preferred sweeter drinks, anyway. It's really just milky, herb-y licorice-drink.

It's really nice with a fruity and sweet champagne / champagne-like drink. I joke that we need to get the "bottom shelf" spumante because nothing else will do. Unless you're at a specialty store, you're not going to find much "top shelf" or even "middle shelf" that's not BRUT BRUT BRUT. Brut can go fuck itself in general, but especially for this purpose even dedicated absinthe snobs agree that you want something fruity and sweet.


I would recommend trying a similarly-flavoured drink first - something like Ouzo or Sambucca. This will give you a pretty good idea of what to expect without spending a lot of money - you can usually get that for very cheap at a bar if you just buy a single, drink, too !

I would only buy an absinthe if it's made with true Grande Wormwood. The rest is a rip-off and you'd be better served supporting honest makers of Ouzo (which, by the way, also louches).


And it's fun to do the whole "ritual" - but if you're a terrible drunk with just a smidge of class left, you can make it louche with a water bottle and chopsticks.

I think the "ritual" aspect is part of the appeal. When it wasn't being abused by drunks, it was a social drink.

If you're mixing it to the usual 1/4 or 1/5, you're not even going to get drunk fast. Although if you use the champagne, you totally will. Super fast. Woo.

I think the lighting it on fire thing is lolzy. It's made up to appeal to young people who think that absinthe will be LSD or something. I guess I'm a snob, but why would you light good liquor on fire for no reason ? I guess if you have the shitty faux-absinthe, go ahead.

I would recommend Kubler as a balance of trying it without spending a fuckton.

Lucid was... okay. But it was like russian roulette - I'd get this terrible after-taste every few drinks that I blame the shitty beet alcohol for.

Gettin' some Obsello fer muh birtday. w00t.
04/16/2012
Contributor: Badass Badass
PSH, i wish i could make my own. I would have a freaking blast.
04/16/2012
Contributor: underHim underHim
I am not much of a drinker anyways so I cannot imagine trying something like that.
04/16/2012
Contributor: Deeder Deeder
Never tried it, but my husband and I are toying with the idea of getting some for our anniversary in December. We've liked a few of the different kits we've seen online (with the fountains and whatnot), but are unsure of exactly what to go for.
04/16/2012
Contributor: powerandintent powerandintent
never tried it, or the fake stuff. I don't really want to though. It's not my thing.
04/16/2012
Contributor: K101 K101
Quote:
Originally posted by wetone123
Recently it has come to my attention that I would like to try Absinthe, but in the US it lacks the thujone/wormwood qualities (banned by FDA) that is rumored to have inspired artists and writers to create such as Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, ... more
I've heard this about it making you all creative! So, yes, I would have to try it. I'd wanna see if my writing job sky rockets! LOL. I'm pretty creative, always designing something whether it's fingernails or a purse out of paper. Maybe I'd end up with a purse out of something even more unique than paper! Lol. I'd have to try it just to see for myself. I wouldn't try much though. I'm a light weight as it is.

Now I haven't had interest enough to go out and spend a lot of money on it, but I'd pay a small price to dry a small bit.

If and when you do try it, you HAVE to video tape it!
04/17/2012
Contributor: Ghost Ghost
I've had it. I didn't hallucinate at all... it was simple an interesting-tasting alchohol. I wish that rumor would die, because it makes people act a fool.
04/17/2012
Contributor: NurseKitty NurseKitty
I would suggest that you do not try to make your own Absinth. I don't know why but home made stuff has become the latest idiotic trend and a ton of people are poisoning themselves. I have seen a number through my ED in the last month.

Wormwood is dangerous and the reason it is not allowed to be put into Absinth that is sold in the USA is because it builds up in the body if consumed in large quantities. That is why in the US they began manufacturing "Absinthe" the added "e" was to indicate that while the alcohol is made to taste the same the "dangerous" ingredient has been removed.

Anyhow back to my point, making your own alcohol is dangerous in itself, as you cannot distill out impurities without the right equipment, and you could end up accidentally poisoning yourself like these idiots did and having a really big hospital bill

If you are going to try the stuff please find a supplier that can get you the real stuff still produced in Europe, but that may be difficult since real Absinth is illegal in the US
04/17/2012
Contributor: Tangles Tangles
I know very little about it, but I remember reading about it for the first time in a YA book in middle school.
04/17/2012
Contributor: Beck Beck
I would love to try it. That would be an experience.
04/17/2012
Contributor: Chirple Chirple
Quote:
Originally posted by NurseKitty
I would suggest that you do not try to make your own Absinth. I don't know why but home made stuff has become the latest idiotic trend and a ton of people are poisoning themselves. I have seen a number through my ED in the last ... more
Your advice is great, but I'm not sure what you mean about absinthe vs. absinth.

Real Absinthe is legal and has been for quite some time. This is (as close as can be for something not popular for a very long time) what they had "Back in the Day". It's not that hard to get and you can get it legally in the USA, no problem.


"Absinth" without the e is usually used by makers of crappy fake products. SOMETIMES it's a cultural spelling difference, but more often than not is found on "fakes" - not the real thing.



The date in the corner is 1896. "Absinthe" is how the French (where Absinthe was incredibly popular and where much was produced) have always spelled it.

Here's an old, genuine antique bottle :




I have bought Absinthe with Grande Wormwood in the USA multiple times. It is not illegal. It is a regulated quantity, yes, but it is not banned. Also, "more thujone" does not mean "better liquor", so I would not buy into ads who claim this is why you should buy THEIRS over an actual quality drink. People who claim excessive thujone levels are actually tampering with the recipes and just dumping things like sage oil in them.

Here's an article from Wikipedia that explains it. There are Czech makers of real absinthe who are trying to reclaim it from all the knock-offs, and I think this is great. However, this is an area you need to do a bit more research in to distinguish real from fake.

Also, you can also find thujone in generally higher levels in Bitters (as they are allowed a higher concentration, legally). But no one goes nuts about that.
04/17/2012
Contributor: NurseKitty NurseKitty
Quote:
Originally posted by Chirple
Your advice is great, but I'm not sure what you mean about absinthe vs. absinth.

Real Absinthe is legal and has been for quite some time. This is (as close as can be for something not popular for a very long time) what they had "Back ... more
Ack sorry! I got my spellings turned around LOL thats what 3 nights working in the ER will do to you
04/17/2012
Contributor: Lover of Leather Lover of Leather
It would be fun to try, it's rather expensive though, so if we don't like it, that would be a bummer.
04/17/2012
Contributor: Chirple Chirple
Quote:
Originally posted by NurseKitty
Ack sorry! I got my spellings turned around LOL thats what 3 nights working in the ER will do to you
It's okay. XD

I just wanted people to know in case they go looking to buy.
04/17/2012
Contributor: NurseKitty NurseKitty
Quote:
Originally posted by Chirple
It's okay. XD

I just wanted people to know in case they go looking to buy.
Now if I remember correctly though the US has regulated the amount and purity of the thujone levels. Here in the US Absinthe only has 10mg and the traditional European brands have 35mg and are not legally sold.

Also I have heard there is a difference in how the thujone is purified etc.
04/18/2012
Contributor: jokerzwild jokerzwild
Not sure the brand as I had it in several bars in Prague, Czech Republic. I did it the proper way and didn't get any effects or know anyone that did. Either we didn't get the proper stuff or it is all hype.
04/18/2012
Contributor: Chirple Chirple
Quote:
Originally posted by NurseKitty
Now if I remember correctly though the US has regulated the amount and purity of the thujone levels. Here in the US Absinthe only has 10mg and the traditional European brands have 35mg and are not legally sold.

Also I have heard there is a ... more
I wouldn't really call them more or less traditional. If someone is making a fuss about thujone content, 10 vs 35 (ppm or mg) isn't a big difference (seeing as 19th century scientists tried to claim in excess of 200mg/l).

After people started making a fuss about if it was or wasn't important and how much was really in the "old stuff" - scientists did studies on it, by re-creating old recipies and testing antique samples. LINK.

"On the contrary, the historic products complied with today’s maximum limits derived to exclude hallucinogenic or other unwanted effects" - ", we deduce from our study that thujone plays none, or only a secondary role in the clinical picture of absinthism"

They admit that, no, they do not have the exact same wormwood plants available. But no one does, so the point is moot. They can't be certain of the degradation of thujone in the antique samples, but they did not test these alone, they tested traditional recipes made themselves and modern commercial products.

If someone would rather take the word of 19th century scientists working with less accurate and effective methods, that's their business (that is where the exceedingly high number come from that are still for some reason cited today, despite the problems with their methods being known).
04/20/2012
Contributor: sexxxkitten sexxxkitten
I would try a sip just to see what it tasted like. But I doubt I would drink more than that. I'm not a huge fan of alcohol.
04/20/2012
Contributor: GONE! GONE!
I've had it, it was wonderful. I found it did give me more inspiration because of the power of suggestion probably. It was fun but unfortunately the little I had left got contaminated because a drunk friend tried to shoot it recently straight from the bottle.
People, don't ever, ever try to do that.
04/20/2012
Contributor: ViVix ViVix
Quote:
Originally posted by wetone123
Recently it has come to my attention that I would like to try Absinthe, but in the US it lacks the thujone/wormwood qualities (banned by FDA) that is rumored to have inspired artists and writers to create such as Vincent Van Gogh, Ernest Hemingway, ... more
I know individuals in the US who say it gives them visions. It may just all be hype based on the fact that the US version doesn't even contain that ingredient.
04/20/2012
Contributor: wetone123 wetone123
Quote:
Originally posted by Chirple
I don't believe that absinthe is or ever was anything more than liquor. The mercury that Oscar Wilde took for syphilis probably had more of an effect than it did. Not to mention things like lead content in food and such.

I don't agree ... more
Thanks for your input. I would have never thought to use champagne! I agree the light up louche seems kind of lame. I'll look into the brands you have suggested
04/22/2012
Contributor: wetone123 wetone123
Quote:
Originally posted by GONE!
I've had it, it was wonderful. I found it did give me more inspiration because of the power of suggestion probably. It was fun but unfortunately the little I had left got contaminated because a drunk friend tried to shoot it recently straight ... more
What brand was it? Thanks!
04/22/2012
Contributor: wetone123 wetone123
Quote:
Originally posted by NurseKitty
I would suggest that you do not try to make your own Absinth. I don't know why but home made stuff has become the latest idiotic trend and a ton of people are poisoning themselves. I have seen a number through my ED in the last ... more
It isn't illegal to buy from overseas. It's just all about the Grande Wormwood content from what I understand. I think 3 drinks would be sufficient for me.
04/22/2012
Contributor: unfulfilled unfulfilled
I wouldn't be interested in trying it. I could use some help being creative though.
04/23/2012
Contributor: joja joja
From what I understand, the so-called hallucinogenic properties of Absinthe are a myth. It's really just a strong liquor.

See Wikipedia
04/23/2012
Contributor: Bethy Cassatt Bethy Cassatt
The hallucinogenic properties don't exist. However, you do have a certain feeling of clarity while drinking Absinthe, so I give it that endorsement. I've tried American and Russian Absinthe, so, yeah... No big deal, but I love the flavor.
04/23/2012
Contributor: PeaceToTheMiddleEast PeaceToTheMiddleEast
No I have not tried it.
04/23/2012
Contributor: Bullfroggy and Rose Bullfroggy and Rose
havent tried it dont think I will
04/26/2012