Does anyone else drink Absinthe???

[Chicago Democrat]

I like to try new things. Absinthe was once the drink of choice for artists and writers of the nineteenth century, such as Oscar Wilde, Paul Verlaine, and Vincent Van Gogh. Absinthe was banned in 1915 in the mania leading up to prohibition. Lately it has enjoyed something of a resurgence. Absinthe is legal in Britain and many other parts of Europe. The best absinthes are made in France and Switzerland. Absinthe is strong (110 proof) and its main ingredient, wormwood, is known for its effects. Americans are allowed to import 2 bottles for personal consumption, but you can't sell it in the USA.

The effect of the wormwood is subtle, calming and zen-like. Too much will make one quite sick the next day, so it should be treated with respect! It has an anise taste that can be too much for some. (some brands use too much anise flavor)

Absinthe is green, and it louches (turns cloudy when water is added)to a beautiful pastel green. Traditionally it is served with a sugar cube and anywhere from 1-1 to 6-1 water-to-absinthe mix. I like about 2 parts water to one part absinthe.

My favorite brand is La Fee' and you all can try get it at this website. Its wonderful but costs about 80 to 90 dollars a bottle.

http://www.eabsinthe.com

[IronLionZion]

1. yeah

I've only had homemade. It tasted horrible but I love the warm calming feeling you get. It's better than alcohol and weed IMHO.

[qwertyMike]

2. Isn't that banned in the USA?

Or is it some other horrible drink the Pope drinks?

Help me here.

Maybe it's Mezcal

[qwertyMike]

7. As the Scottish soccer supporters said in Rome

While visiting a soccer game
Q: "What's the Pope drink?"

A: "Green Chartreuse"

Supporters - "Twa pint's a' that"

They never made the stadium.

Courtesy comedian Bill Connolly

[FlashHarry]

3. Does it actually contain wormwood oil?

Most 'absinthe' you find is a non-psychedelic relative of the now-banned liquor. I've tried it. It's basically an anise-flavored aperitif. As far as I know, the only place you can find the 'real' stuff is in former Soviet-bloc countries, such as Poland or the Czech Republic. I asked about it when I lived in France, and nobody had it (they did have the faux-absinthe, though.) Personally, I can't stand Pernod, Pastis, Sambuca, ouzo, or any licorice flavored liquor. Give me a shot of Patron Silver tequila any day!

On edit: I see that La Fee is, apparently, the real deal! See here: Reportedly the best Absinthe is La Fee. It is nearly 70% ABV, has a reportedly high thujone content (although unlike some Czech brands, stays within the EU maximum of 10 ppm), is very expensive and is available from Heathrow airport. Mari Mayans (Spain) is also considered good. Most Czech brands are quite bitter, if you like that kind of taste. Hapsburg Red (Bulgaria) has probably the highest alcohol content at 85%. Logan 100 has, reportedly 100ppm of thujone, closer, probably to what Rimbaud and co were drinking. Try them at our own risk.

Link Here

[Exultant Democracy]

4. Yes, it isn't what the mythology around it makes it out to be,

but it is a lot more fun then a regular drunk (after you get over the taste.)

[smirkymonkey]

5. Doesn't it eat your brain or something like that?

All I can think of is that painting by Manet (I think it's Manet) called "The Absinthe Drinkers", which depicts two completely detached, apparently brain dead, imbibers of the green stuff.

Apparently, from what I have heard, once you cross that line there is no going back. You are a drooling vegetable for the rest of your life.

Is that true?

[Kamika]

8. all alcohol eat your brain

topic

[qwertyMike]

10. awl alkol eet yr brayn

[IronLionZion]

9. you don't want to take too much

3 or 4 shots is enough for most people

[Chicago Democrat]

16. It might eat your brain if you drank it everyday!

Yes, it definitely is not a everyday kind of thing.

I buy a bottle ever 2 months or so. Since the Dollar crashed the price went up from $60 to $80 a bottle!

Did I say 110 proof? Correction! its 68% alcohol or 136 proof! Powerful stuff.

Thujong is the active ingredient in wormwood, it affects the nervous system, basically slows everything down. But your brain does not slow, so the effect is almost out of body, but as I said; its subtle.

[HEyHEY]

6. You can get the wormwood stuff in Canada

[Emboldened Chimp]

13. cool, ship some down here !

[Ramsey]

11. I saw some in the liquor store yesterday

It was called absinthe, but in reading the label it is apparently made out of a different type of wormwood than the usual. Have you ever heard of this, and would it be any good?

[Chicago Democrat]

14. Absente is the USA available brand - Its bad

Absente is made from a 'different kind of wormwood' Its the one you can get in the USA.. But I think it tastes bad. The wormwood effect is almost completely missing. Save your money and get it mail order from France.

[Emboldened Chimp]

15. So, you're saying shipping it from overseas is legal?

If so, where's the best place to get it?

[Chicago Democrat]

17. Links to Mail order Absinthe

http://www.eabsinthe.com/

http://www.absintheonline.com

http://www.absinth.com

3 different vendors all with different products.

[Chicago Democrat]

18. It is legal to import 2 bottles per shipment

Sadly shipping costs about $30 alone! Best to get two..

Yes its Legal!

[Gingersnap]

12. yes, tried it for the first time at New Year's

we got a bottle of Absente which is an American brand at our local fancy liquor store. Apparently the wormwood is illegal here in the States, but this brand is made with Spanish wormwood, which isn't illegal. It was definitely not at all like normal alcohol. I had cooked an elaborate meal (and hadn't really eaten all day) and after one glass of the apertif, we all "forgot" to eat. Had to save the food for the next night. It was very powerful stuff. I can normally drink two martinis at a bar with little effect--two of these and I could barely stand up.

It does make you feel calm and just indescribably different, but in a mellow, not stressful, way.