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by: JimHofman
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Fans and affecionados of specialty boutique and historic liquor will be pleased to know that absinthe, legendary for its supposed hallucinogenic effects, is once again available via internet specialty merchants.

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.

Whether these accounts were true or not, original absinthe was banned worldwide. It is suggested the real reason for the ban was poor distilling technique and various distilling problems, which were common in the early 20th century. Either way, the ban has now been lifted and original absinthe is now available in limited quantities.

Absinthe is typically produced in the Czech Republic, and is of very high alcohol content, 140 proof. As such, it should be consumed sparingly and in the proper manner. However, it is interesting to note that many new absinthe drinkers have stated they remain remarkably clear headed, despite the high alcohol content. Some speculate this is due to the active ingredients in original absinthe.

Thujone is found naturally in many plants and flowers, and some believe it produces a pleasant, creative effect on the brain, which may account for heightened interest in absinthe. Perhaps the most revered brand of absinthe, King of Spirits, is a marvelous introduction to this mysterious drink. Like many specialty liquors, there is a tradtional way to serve absinthe, although one is certainly not limited to this method, which is called louching (pronounced Loosh-ing).

Absinthe is traditionally enjoying in the louching method. You'll need a slotted spoon, a small cocktail glass, and a sugar cube. The process is simple. Pour a jigger of absinthe into the cocktail glass. Then, place the sugar cube onto the slotted spoon over the glass, and pour in 6 ounces of ice water. The sugar cube will dissolve into your glass of absinthe.

Watch What Happens Now

When the sugar cube dissolves into the absinthe, the absinthe will change colors. Hold the glass to your nose. You'll smell the fragrant aromas of anise and licorice, and the absinthe will turn into an opaque cloudy green.

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!

About the Author

Original absinthe is kcurrentlyn as the King of Spirits, and is currently available since the worldwide ban was lifted in 2007. Try a traditional European variety, and visit us for more original absinthe insight, including How To Drink Absinthe .

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