Absinthe Liquor

To a layman the word green conjures up images of green meadows, gushing streams of crystal clear water, clean unpolluted air and dense forests. But for the true connoisseurs of fine liquor the word green connotes a different meaning. Connoisseurs of liquor associate the word green to the legendary alcoholic beverage absinthe. Absinthe liquor was the most popular drink of nineteenth century Europe. It was also affectionately called as the Green fairy by loyal devotees.

The French took to this liquor and soon it rivaled wine in popularity. Even today people display an extraordinary affection to this anise-flavored drink. The aura that absinthe liquor has, apart from the flavor, is due to the history and the elaborate ceremonial ritual that has to be followed while drinking it. Absinthe has a bitter taste which can be attributed to its basic ingredients such as wormwood, fennel, and anise. Absinthe liquor has high alcohol content usually in the range of 60% to 70%. Such high proof is necessary to maintain the natural green color of the drink.

Absinthe is not your everyday drink like whisky. it is a drink with illustrious history and culture behind it. Absinthe had become so popular in France and Europe that wine makers were worried about their business prospects. This intense rivalry led wine makers to spread rumors and stories about the harmful effects of absinthe. Some of the unsubstantiated claims made at that time resulted in most countries banning absinthe.

However, by the beginning of the twenty-first century most countries in the European Union began lifting the unfair ban on absinthe. Today, absinthe is no longer prohibited in Europe and the day is not far when it will reclaim its rightful place as the best and finest liquor of all times. The pleasant effects of absinthe can be attributed to its ingredients. Wormwood is the main herb used in the making of absinthe. Wormwood contains a chemical called thujone which is a brain stimulant. The permissible level of thujone in absinthe in the US is 10 mg and 35 mg in Europe.

Absinthe has high alcohol content and it must not be taken in excess; three glasses of absinthe is sufficient to feel the absinthe effect. The effect is pleasant and you feel slightly inebriated but there is a sense of clarity that your mind experiences. The colors around you seem brighter than they usually do, you can see, smell, and taste better. Your sense of perception is enhanced and even everyday chores seem to give you a new experience. This property of absinthe was responsible for its immense popularity with artists. Many a great painters like Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso were avid consumers of absinthe and attributed their creative genius to its marvelous effects.

Thankfully, most Europeans have access to absinthe. US citizens can now buy absinthe online from non-US producers. US citizens can also order genuine absinthe kits and prepare their own absinthe liquor by following the simple instructions that come along with the kit. For more information on absinthe kits and other absinthe products visit absinthekit.com.