The Miracle of Absinthe

[Marc Chevalier]

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Simply because absinthe deserves its own thread, apart from champagne.


Post away, absintheurs and 'theuses!



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[Manny Tavares]

Forbes FYI had an article about absinthe last month. Please correct me, but is it also known as "spanish fly"?:eusa_doh:

[Nick Charles]

Absinthe is a distilled, highly alcoholic, anise-flavored spirit derived from herbs including the flowers and leaves of the medicinal plant Artemisia absinthium, also called wormwood. Although it is sometimes incorrectly called a liqueur, absinthe is not bottled with added sugar and is therefore classified as a liquor or spirit

Absinthe is often referred to as la F?©e Verte (‚ÄúThe Green Fairy‚Äù) because of its coloring ‚Äî typically pale or emerald green, but sometimes clear or in rare cases rose red. Due to its high proof and concentration of oils, absintheurs (absinthe drinkers) typically add three to five parts ice-cold water to a dose of absinthe, which causes the drink to turn cloudy (called ‚Äúlouching‚Äù); often the water is used to dissolve added sugar to decrease bitterness. This preparation is considered an important part of the experience of drinking absinthe, so much so that it has become ritualized, complete with special slotted absinthe spoons and other accoutrements. Absinthe‚Äôs flavor is similar to anise-flavored liqueurs, with a light bitterness and greater complexity imparted by multiple herbs.

Absinthe originated in Switzerland as an elixir but is better known for its popularity in late 19th- and early 20th-century France, particularly among Parisian artists and writers whose romantic associations with the drink still linger in popular culture. In its heyday, the most popular brand of absinthe worldwide was Pernod Fils. At the height of this popularity, absinthe was portrayed as a dangerously addictive, psychoactive drug; the chemical thujone was blamed for most of its deleterious effects. By 1915, it was banned in a number of European countries and the United States. Even though it was vilified, no evidence shows it to be any more dangerous than ordinary alcohol.[2] A modern absinthe revival began in the 1990s, as countries in the European Union began to reauthorize its manufacture and sale


http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Absinthe-glass.jpg/200px-Absinthe-glass.jpg


But there is a more qualified Absinthian on this board than me. I just like the name and it is in alot of vintage cocktails.

[scotrace]

I really cannot believe I have not yet tried it, as I have been reading about it for years.
The ceremony, the literary and artistic connections, the history - it's clearly for ME.

[Maj.Nick Danger]

It does sound interesting. :D And I'm all for trying new things. But it's reputation as an hallucinogenic and addictive drug has always put me off, also that poisonous looking color. But it appears that it is just a matter of it's complex chemical makeup which could be the cause of incredible hangovers.:eek:

[scotrace]

But it appears that it is just a matter of it's complex chemical makeup which could be the cause of incredible hangovers.:eek:



Bah! We can take it. :)

[Curt Chiarelli]

I really cannot believe I have not yet tried it, as I have been reading about it for years.
The ceremony, the literary and artistic connections, the history - it's clearly for ME.

Well, there's a good reason why you've never tried it . . . . because, unfortunately, it's been banned in the U.S. since 1912 thanks to the temperence movement. Not only is absinthe hard to get, but getting good quality absinthe is even harder. However, here's the inside track on the legal ramifications: it is illegal to sell it on American soil, but not to drink it on American soil. A monument to the legal profession's ability to weave loopholes into the fabric of any law or statute that are big enough to drive a bootlegger's truck through!

[Lincsong]

Is it available in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean? Will Customs confiscate it?

[Curt Chiarelli]

Is it available in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean? Will Customs confiscate it?

Since Canada is a protectorate of the British Crown and, furthermore, since Great Britain never banned it in the first place, chances are good that it's not illegal in Canada and available for sale. As for Mexico and the Carribean I really have no answer for you.

If Uncle Sam intercepts it, Customs will confiscate it and you'll be out $100.00 per bottle plus shipping costs.

[Tomasso]

Absinthe has been available, as a backroom item, through a few U.S. distributors for years, just like Cuban cigars.

[Lincsong]

Well, that's a good reason to head up to Victoria, B.C. one summer.lol

[Tourbillion]

I've heard that absinthe may be legal in Canada, but also that their customs may seize shipments.

Getting it shipped to the US is a dice game. I've received shipments with no problems from Liqueurs de France, but my friends have had theirs nicked from other vendors.

You can also get vintage pre-ban absinthe from www.oxygenee.com, although this is rather expensive.

Spanish fly is entirely different. It is a pastille that causes priapism in males (and a similar reaction in females). It is very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.

You can also hand-carry absinthe from a country where it is legal.

[Tomasso]

It is a pastille that causes priapism in males I thought that was a natural condition.[huh]

[Tourbillion]

I thought that was a natural condition.[huh]

It could be, but not in this case. The reaction is caused by blistering. Apparantly very painful, and also inconvenient.

Modern medicine has drugs that can do this without the painful side effects.

Back to Absinthe.

Anyone bringing any to the Queen Mary? Or would I have to bring my own? What is the corkage fee?

[Absinthe_1900]

This one is excellent http://www.absintheonline.com/acatalog/artisanalefront!.jpg unfortunately it sold out within 24 hrs.

Hopefully LDF will have the maker come back to Pontarlier for another round.

[Absinthe_1900]

I'm partial to this "old stuff," which was the American absinthe substitute for many years.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/thegreenimp/lineII.jpg

[Curt Chiarelli]

I'm partial to this "old stuff," which was the American absinthe substitute for many years.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/thegreenimp/lineII.jpg


What's your opinion of Ted Breaux's Edouard and Nouvelle-Orl?©ans over at Jade Liqueurs?

[Absinthe_1900]

I've always liked the Nouvelle Orleans, going back to the days when it was a "lab sample"......It shares a bit of linage with the above from New Orleans.

The Edouard is nice representation of a French verte.

My favorite commercial absinthe is the L' Artisanale, the market has really changed from the days of feeling lucky to have a bottle of Deva from Spain.

[Mr. Sable]

Absinthe is legal to buy and sell in Canada, but not to drink - sort of the opposite of the American law. I beleieve it's also illegal to make and export it, but legal to import it. There are quite a few stores in my city that carry it (though I used to have to mail order it) and there are quite a few varieties - mostly the Czech made stuff (pretty cool because the writing is all Czech), but there's some Pernod too. When it first became available, a local liquor store advertised it on his sign and he was stopped from selling it further. Well, he still sells it, but you have to ask for it and the guy gets it from the back - it's not on display. Most other places have it out on the shelves. The laws about it are so old know one really knows to enforce them. Sort of like, 'every bar or saloon must have a hitching post in front'.

As for drinking it, I follow James Bond's rule about vodka martinis, 'One is not enough and three is too many'; I'm paraphrasing, of course. I don't think the actual quote is suitable for the Lounge. The one time I didn't follow the rule, I'd wished, very, very much, that I had.

I've never had a silver spoon for straining the stuff, just perforated stainless steel tea spoons. Seems to work fine. I know a guy who makes a living only selling hand made silver Absinthe spoons. I'm not paying $100 for a spoon though, no matter what it's made of.

[Marc Chevalier]

Folks, a little bird told me that someone just might bring a bottle of *good* Swiss absinthe to the QM, but on one condition: that those interested in partaking of it BRING THEIR OWN DRINKING GLASS, GOBLET, CUP, or whatever. No glasses will be provided -- they're too heavy to lug aboard ship. Sugarcubes, however, will be provided ... and absinthe spoons will be loaned out.


Please let the mysterious *someone* know here if you wish and intend to partake of this bottle of absinthe. It would be good to know how many folks intend to do so. This will have to be done in a private stateroom; restaurants in California don't allow you to bring in your own spirits, even if you offer to pay a corking fee.


Rest assured that it is perfectly legal to drink absinthe in the United States. (It is prohibited to import, manufacture, export, purchase or sell it -- which none of you would be doing.)


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[Absinthe_1900]

If one is close to a Cost Plus World Market, you can get a glass like the one on the right, which is nice copy of an old glass once used for absinthe. (about $5.00 each)

http://s7ondemand1.scene7.com/is/image/CPWM/378751_perigord_glass?$278x278_Detail_Image$

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/thegreenimp/perigord_glass.jpg

[matei]

I have been drinking absinthe for years, and I've noticed no ill effects... :p

It is a shame that it appears to have caught on with the binge drinking culture (yeah mate I had 5 shots of absinthe with the flaming spoon and all yeaaaah)...

I admit I haven't tried the higher end absinthe yet. I'm still waiting to, but I have a lot of Segarra and Deva (eeek) to finish off. The Deva isn't sooo bad - I've had worse. Someone brought me a bottle of Czech stuff that I ended up using to disinfect the sink (no joke) - it was that bad. It wasn't absinthe in the least.

I actually find that I feel better, more rested, the next day after a glass or two of absinthe, compared to whiskey - but that is just me.

In Spain the stuff is very inexpensive. Here in London I've only ever seen "La Fee" and some other popular brands for sale. I personally didn't care for them. I'll have to have another look to see if some better brands are on offer...

[herringbonekid]

The ceremony, the literary and artistic connections, the history - it's clearly for ME.

this is precisely my problem with the drink.... the mystique is all in the mind. due to the banning (things are much more desirable when they're banned) and the myth of hallucinations combined with the pouring over sugar (rituals with spoons have a druggy connotation) you'd think you were buying opium in a bottle. you are NOT going to be transported back to a french salon circa 1900 and become an artistic visionary.

absinthe is a strong alcoholic drink that tastes of aniseed. end of story.

[scotrace]

Romance, even.

When you look at this picture, do you see "A way to get from here to there, end of story?"

http://www.wallpaper.net.au/wallpaper/automotive/Bentley%20Continental%20GT%20-%201024x768.jpg

[herringbonekid]

hey, I WANTED nuance and romance (and visions) !
what i got was an aniseed flavoured drink. it is over-romanticised out of all proportion.

[Tony in Tarzana]

I see an Audi. lol

[Marc Chevalier]

Absinthe is a strong alcoholic drink that tastes of aniseed. end of story.


That's what I thought in 1997, when I first learned about absinthe. In fact, it's a much more complex drink than you give it credit for.


To make really good absinthe, you have to know how to choose and mix various herbs. The quality of the base spirit, the herbs, the amounts put in, and the maceration/distillation time are important: they make the difference between great, decent and bad absinthe. Not easy to do at all, and most fail at it -- including scores of professional distilleries. Even with all the good, 100 year-old recipes around, people still mess up absinthe-making. Why? Because one needs more than a recipe: one needs experience, finesse, and an ability to juggle a host of herbal flavors and scents. Great absinthe smells, looks and tastes wonderful: it has little, if anything, to do with effects on the brain. The problem is that very few people have had the opportunity to try great absinthe, because it remains extremely scarce (and expensive).


Herringbonekid, do you believe that fine whiskey is merely "a strong alcoholic drink that tastes of grains and malt. End of story"? I reckon not. Well, absinthe, like whiskey, should not be dismissed so lightly.


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[herringbonekid]

it's all the hallucinatory hogwash that get's my goat. i was very disappointed in that department. ;)

[Marc Chevalier]

I was disappointed, too. I only began to enjoy the drink when I accepted the fact that it was merely a drink, like whiskey or chartreuse.


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[Absinthe_1900]

this is precisely my problem with the drink.... the mystique is all in the mind. due to the banning (things are much more desirable when they're banned) and the myth of hallucinations combined with the pouring over sugar (rituals with spoons have a druggy connotation) you'd think you were buying opium in a bottle. you are NOT going to be transported back to a french salon circa 1900 and become an artistic visionary.

absinthe is a strong alcoholic drink that tastes of aniseed. end of story.


Why drink anything else than other water, that's all your body really needs.

Collecting and drinking absinthe, is no different than collecting and wearing vintage clothes.:p

I drank Herbsaint long before I ever drank any real absinthe,(Still do along with vintage Herbsaint) so I guess with Herbsaint never having been banned, there wasn't any "forbidden fruit" involved.

Other than a few morons burning sugar cubes in the clubs in Prague, there is no connection to drugs & classic absinthe.
Drinking absinthe was something that was enjoyed by millions of people in France & Switzerland in it's heyday, it was just a pleasant drink then, as it still is now.
Personally I seldom use sugar in my absinthe anymore.

Never having been to French salon, I wouldn't know what it's like, though I suppose it must be similiar to the effect of dressing in vintage clothing.:D

As far as absinthe being a strong drink, yes in the bottle it's fairly high proof to preserve the natural green coloring & content, once you water it 3 to 1, or 4 to 1, it had a much lower alcoholic content, that would be in the range of a glass of wine.

I've seen much worse behavior with people drinking Tequila shots.

As far as being an artistic visionary, I'll have to pass, other than a bit of C.A.D., I'd say I'm more of a technician that likes the taste of absinthe.

End of Story.;)

[herringbonekid]

you're missing my point. Advertisers trade heavily on the myth that absinthe is some sort of 'decadent' artistic inspiration in a bottle. it's misleading and only adds fuel to the rumours that it is hallucinatory. that's what i object to. if you enjoy it just a as a drink, fine.

[Marc Chevalier]

Please, folks, if you wish the *mysterious someone* to bring a bottle to the Queen Mary event, let me know as soon as possible -- either here or via a PM.


Because if only one or two people are interested, I don't think the *mysterious someone* will go to the trouble of lugging the stuff aboard.


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[Absinthe_1900]

you're missing my point. Advertisers trade heavily on the myth that absinthe is some sort of 'decadent' artistic inspiration in a bottle. it's misleading and only adds fuel to the rumours that it is hallucinatory. that's what i object to. if you enjoy it just a as a drink, fine.

There are a number of very dedicated people that are working to change "the hype" in marketing absinthe.

Sadly, there are those in every business that shoot for the lowest common denominator to separate one from their cash.
That is the unfortunate nature of advertising. (Be it Red Bull or "Axe Body Spray":eusa_doh: )

[Tourbillion]

I haven't had any hallucinations, but once I drank more than usual. The next day my eyes didn't want to focus, and everything looked like a Monet. It was beautiful.

Or maybe I just needed more sleep.

[TM]

Does Absinthe make the heart grow fonder?

Sorry! But had to do it.

Tony

[Absinthe_1900]

Yes, it does.lol

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/thegreenimp/ScreenShot001copy.jpg


It also makes The Tart Grow Fonder.;)

[doghouse]

Haha. If I were able to go to the QM... I'd drink some absinthe.. I found some in the US, came with the nice spoon, but sadly is just a relative of "real absinthe"... just don't tell me someone will be drinking Glenfiddich...I will cry!

(excuse me if I made many spelling mistakes.. a few too many martinis)

[Elaina]

Absinthe is one of those things that unless it's hanging about my crystal decanter, it's not something we're likely to have. I have some ouzo hanging about and because of the flavor, my husband won't drink it, and I don't like it (I like the flavor, just not that stuff).

But then, we're all alkies over here. I've drank it, it's okay, the mystique is what gets to me everytime and I'd be the first one there, glass in hand and my spoon tinkling away merrily against the rim. But we're old fuddy duddies, and going to stay at home.

I'll toast y'all with my coffee.

[miss1934]

why do you think it was the drink of choice of artist and such then, if it didn't actually contain these hallucinegenic properties?

[doghouse]

Mmmmm... Ouzo!

*goes away dreaming of her honeymoon*

[doghouse]

Oh, speaking of fuddie-duddies.. I may be young, but I'm one. :)

[farnham54]

I think the root of the hallucinagen myth comes from two aspects of the drink:

The publicity of the 'wormwood'--people think the worm in certain types of Mescal bottles makes you hallucinate too, but this is false. This stems from (and this leads to my second point) the fact that quite often, in order to 'drink the worm', you've got to get through the first 26 ounces of tequila.

With absinthe, the alcoholic content is so high, and the majority of drinkers so ignorant, that they consume copious amounts of the stuff--that messes you up! That much alcohol in the system, wether it comes from 40 ounces of Gin or 10 ounces of Absinthe, is very bad and will have an effect on your perception abilities and yes, perhaps cause hallucinations. It has little to do with the absinthe and everything to do with irresponsible drinking.

Before people cry foul and call me a hippocrite--I speak from experience. The smell of absinthe now turns my stomach, no doubt a result of some pretty harsh conditioning to what was likley very similar to the sink cleaner mentioned before.

Cheers
Craig

[herringbonekid]

why do you think it was the drink of choice of artist and such then, if it didn't actually contain these hallucinegenic properties?

several artists are known to have drank absinthe or featured it in their work...Degas*, Manet, Van Gogh, Toulouse Lautrec, Rimbaud.... Again, the connection to artists is just more myth making. artists DRANK, and absinthe was a popular drink before its ban after 1905. so yes, artists drank absinthe, but not exclusivley. there were a number of reported violent crimes commited under the influence of absinthe that lead eventually to it's banning. it was said to turn men into raging monsters. take that 'delirium' rumour and mix it with the artistic genius/madman idea and you have the start of a very profitable urban myth.



*perhaps the most famous absinthe painting, Degas' "L'absinthe" sometimes called "absinthe drinkers", far from being a study of delirium, shows two people in a bar looking very BORED.

[Feraud]

why do you think it was the drink of choice of artist and such then, if it didn't actually contain these hallucinegenic properties? Hype! Just like the idea that Red Bull and other energy drinks are giving you instant boosts of energy. They may contain copious amounts of sugar and caffeine but they take time to get into your system.
Most people are under the illusion that one sip of a Red Bull drink will have you flying off the walls.
I feel the reputation of Absinthe suffered (or benefitted) from the same marketing hype.

[Feraud]

Please, folks, if you wish the *mysterious someone* to bring a bottle to the Queen Mary event, let me know as soon as possible -- either here or via a PM.


Because if only one or two people are interested, I don't think the *mysterious someone* will go to the trouble of lugging the stuff aboard.


. Do we have enough drinkers for an Absinthe party?

[Barry]

Do we have enough drinkers for an Absinthe party?

Need some additional takers? :)

:offtopic: I bought some pipe tobacco called "Black Cordial" for this weekend. A guy in a tobacco shop told me about it and I found it at an online retailer. It's an aromatic but it burns fairly cool, tastes pretty good and smells really nice.

[Feraud]

Need some additional takers? :)

:offtopic: I bought some pipe tobacco called "Black Cordial" for this weekend. A guy in a tobacco shop told me about it and I found it at an online retailer. It's an aromatic but it burns fairly cool, tastes pretty good and smells really nice. I am sure we can use another drinker. :)

:offtopic: I was considering bringing my pipe but have opted cigars. I feel like I have so many tiny details to remember and pipe gear would break the camel's back! lol

I will have a few cigars to enjoy with the crew if anyone is interested.

[Marc Chevalier]

I'll try it, I haven't tried any Swiss Absinthe before. Is this a la bleue?


Yes. It was made by Claude-Alain Bugnon, formerly one of the betters makers of clandestine 'La Bleue' absinthe in Switzerlands' Val-de-Travers:


-----------------------------------------------http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j62/cleydael/pic_presentation_accueil.jpg




In 2005, when Switzerland re-legalized the production of absinthe, M. Bugnon went legit with a trio of absinthes made with the 1935 'Charlotte' recipe. Below is a pic of the bottle that a *mysterious someone* will bring to the Queen Mary (if a few more people indicate here that they're interested):


----------------------------------------------- http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j62/cleydael/pic_btl_capricieuse_s.jpg



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[Absinthe_1900]

why do you think it was the drink of choice of artist and such then, if it didn't actually contain these hallucinegenic properties?

Absinthe was inexpensive, and it tasted good.

Far more average people in France & Switzerland drank absinthe, than did a small handful of artists.

[Marc Chevalier]

Oh, and Army veterans drank it.


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[Absinthe_1900]

I would recomend that the *mysterious someone* offer a glass without sugar so the attendees can taste the difference between with or without sugar.

Some people might prefer it without. I generally prefer without sugar.

[geo]

Since Canada is a protectorate of the British Crown and, furthermore, since Great Britain never banned it in the first place, chances are good that it's not illegal in Canada and available for sale.

I haven't seen any real absinthe here, just a drink called "Absente", and I doubt it's the real thing. The real absinthe has only been legalized in Switzerland recently, and even that is not the absinthe that the poets drank in the 1900's. The original absinthe was 75% alcohol, whereas the new one is 40%. The high alcohol content, together with the wormwood plant which is one of the ingredients, may explain why it drove people to madness. It was usually drunk diluted, but a few die-hards drank it straight, like Alfred Jarry, who, amongst other things, invented the science of pataphysics, "the laws which govern exceptions and will explain the universe supplementary to this one. In pataphysics, every event in the universe is accepted as an extraordinary event." He died at 34.

Canada has its own laws, independent of the British.

[Marc Chevalier]

I would recomend that the *mysterious someone* offer a glass without sugar so the attendees can taste the difference between with or without sugar.

"So let it be written, so let it be done." Partakers will be offered the option, and given the chance to taste it without sugar.


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[Marc Chevalier]

I haven't seen any real absinthe here, just a drink called "Absente", and I doubt it's the real thing.

You doubt rightly. "Absente" is not the real thing.





The original absinthe was 75% alcohol, whereas the new one is 40%.

In the 19th and early 20th century, most original absinthes were available in 68%, 70%, or 72% strengths. However, some absinthes made back then had lower percentages -- even as 'low' as 55%. In short, there was a variety of alcohol content percentages available to the public.




... the new one is 40%.

Plenty of new ones have alcohol contents much higher than 40%. For instance, the one that my *mysterious friend* is bringing to the Queen Mary has an alcoholic content of 72%, and it's a legally made Swiss absinthe (not hausgemacht, not bootleg).



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[geo]

Your *mysterious friend* is becoming very interesting, and the bottle that he may bring along even more so. Too bad I will not go to the Queen Mary, but there's one more reason to look forward to a trip to Switzerland.

[farnham54]

Plenty of new ones have alcohol contents much higher than 40%. For instance, the one that my *mysterious friend* is bringing to the Queen Mary has an alcoholic content of 72%, and it's a legally made Swiss absinthe (not hausgemacht, not bootleg).



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That may be true, Marc, but in order to be legal here in Canada, they have to have less then 40%; it's one of the laws of the land as it were. I believe that the same is true in the states, but I may be wrong. The stuff I had in Prague was I beleive about 70%; but in Canada such a drink is illegal.

Cheers
Craig

[Story]

"FRENCH 75"

- 1 1/2 oz Gin
- 2 oz Lemon Juice
- Champagne
- 2 tsp Superfine Sugar
- Garnish: Cherry
- Glassware: Collins Glass

Shake all the ingredients in a shaker except champagne with ice and strain into a collins glass. Top with champagne and stir. Garnish with cherry.

History:
Named after the French 75-millimeter guns, this champagne cocktail was created during the first World War by American army officers. The original recipe called for gin, absinthe (now illegal in the United States) and calvados. Calvados is an apple brandy made in France. It is produced from an apple cider and aged in oak barrels for sever

[John in Covina]

I was wondering about a scene in Copala's Dracula, I belive they showed a serving where the Absinthe was poured over a sugar cube and then flamed.

Was that a custom in some places?

[scotrace]

In that film, I believe it was dripped over the sugar cube, but most certainly not flamed.

My understanding is that Igniting the concoction is a bit of frat party bafoonery.

[Maj.Nick Danger]

In that film, I believe it was dripped over the sugar cube, but most certainly not flamed.

My understanding is that Igniting the concoction is a bit of frat party bafoonery.

Would it contain enough alcohol to ignite? I think it requires around 150 proof,... 75 percent ethanol at least if I'm not mistaken, for ignition.
Anyway,....I have never seen absinthe in any liquor store here. I wonder if any bars might serve it? [huh]

[John in Covina]

Would it contain enough alcohol to ignite? I think it requires around 150 proof,... 75 percent ethanol at least if I'm not mistaken, for ignition. Anyway,....I have never seen absinthe in any liquor store here. I wonder if any bars might serve it? [huh]

****
No you can flame lower alcoholic beverages, even 80 proof. Even lower if you warm it first.

[herringbonekid]

so how did the absinthe tasting aboard the QM go ?
any newcomers to the drink want to share their first impressions ?

[Kt Templar]

Over here Sambuca is served with coffee beans on tip and flaming. It's 40% ABV, 80 proof US.

[Miss Neecerie]

so how did the absinthe tasting aboard the QM go ?
any newcomers to the drink want to share their first impressions ?


oh now thats a loaded question...

It tastes of liquid 'good and plenty'.....


Admittedly Marc's lovely apparatus and the whole ceremony was fun...*

Not exactly a convert to it yet...maybe it just needed -way- more sugar for my sweet tooth.



*note that it was also 3 am and everything was fun, and or funny.

[scotrace]

I am SO SO SO unhappy with myself for missing that! Stupid stupid jet lag!

[herringbonekid]

I am SO SO SO unhappy with myself for missing that! Stupid stupid jet lag!

you're kidding !
and you sounded like the most eager to try it !

[Marc Chevalier]

I was wondering about a scene in Coppola's Dracula, I belive they showed a serving where the Absinthe was poured over a sugar cube and then flamed.

Actually, the Coppola Dracula film showed water being poured over the sugar cube, into the glass (with absinthe) below. This is the classic way to prepare absinthe.


Moulin Rouge, the Baz Luhrmann film, showed the so-called "flaming spoon" ritual. This was, in fact, invented in the early 1990s in the Czech Republic in order to promote its highly alcoholic (but terrible tasting) absinthes.


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[Daisy Buchanan]

so how did the absinthe tasting aboard the QM go ?
any newcomers to the drink want to share their first impressions ?
Yes, Miss Neecerie has it right, liquid good and plenty comes to mind. More sugar please, lots more for me!
A fun time was had by all, even if it was 2 in the morning.
Marc gave an incredible dissertation on Absinthe, and he brought with him quite the apparatus to supply it.
What a grand time. Great people, a history of absinthe, security knocking on the door, all and all it was a blast!

[Absinthe_1900]

I was wondering about a scene in Copala's Dracula, I belive they showed a serving where the Absinthe was poured over a sugar cube and then flamed.

Was that a custom in some places?

As Marc said, burning sugar cubes is a recent Czech invention, once you've tasted the awful Czech made "Absinth" you'll find that dumping burnt sugar in it won't help, and it will ruin a glass of decent absinthe.

Sampling some of the better brands that are available can get you past that Liquid Good & Plenty experience. (There are some interesting things on the horizon)

[Marc Chevalier]

Sampling some of the better brands that are available can get you past that Liquid Good & Plenty experience.

But my friend, but I brought a bottle of Clandestine with me. As far as commercial absinthes go, we both know that it's one of the better examples. ;)


----------------------------------------------- http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j62/cleydael/pic_btl_capricieuse_s.jpg


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[Absinthe_1900]

Of course The Clandestine is one of the better brands.:eusa_clap

What I should have made a bit more clear, is that sampling several different brands can teach the new drinker some of the differences in flavor profiles, with some of the better brands...................For the ones that want to pursue further investigation.

If all the stars line up properly, perhaps next year there may be *Two Mysterious Strangers* with some nice beverages.;)

[Marc Chevalier]

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j62/cleydael/4695w_edited-1.jpg

[Phil]

[bad]
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j62/cleydael/4695w_edited-1.jpg
DEAR GOD NO!!!!
90% of my school would be dead within a day or two of its re-legalization. There already have been 7 deaths from underage over-drinking this year. It's sad really, they can't have a good time sober, so they have to drink themselves stupid to enjoy themselves. Back to the subject though, the kids here have ways of getting alcohol.
"Hey Frank, I bet you I can pound down a whole bottle of this Absynthe stuff in one gulp."

[griffer]

I am a big fan of good absinthe. Some observations-

- The thujon from wormwood is an oily chemical that needs high alcohol concentration to stay in solution. When you add cold water, the thujon comes out of solution and forms a colloid; this is referred to as the 'louche'. (Another well known colloidal suspension- mayonnaise...)
- Thujon is what makes the absinthe experience unique. It is a stimulant, but not a visual hallucinogen. Those that went mad or had hallucinations in Monte Marte were probably impacted more by the alcoholic lifestyle and impure booze. Today, different countries restrict the concentration of thujon in absinthe. Rule of thumb, the further east you go, the more thujon you get.
- I have been drinking all types of absinthe for years. They ranged from schnapps, to Formula 409, to good, to sublime. The trick is to strike the balance, per personal taste, between the thujon, anise and alcohol.

In Berlin, after drinking absinthe the 'Russian' way (which involved 'huffing' and flames, and no water or sugar, not advisable) I was referred to an absinthe shop where the guy did nothing but sell all shapes and sizes of absinthe. After going through several rounds of tastes and requesting bottles I had had in the past, I finally asked which one he liked. One taste and all the other bottles were put back. Abisinthe Amer 72 absinthe. Exquisite. No sugar required. Beautiful subtle and well balanced.

I refer you to the guy who has been getting me absinthe state side for the last several years; Alandia in Germany will ship in a plain brown wrapper right to your door.

http://www.alandia.de/absinth/product_info.php/products_id/155/XTCsid/ddebf1e0d3ecc27ff339264915d588fd

http://www.alandia.de/absinthe/images/product_images/popup_images/155_0.jpg

[Absinthe_1900]

I'd never drink Lemercier, it's sink worthy.

Thujone doesn't louche, I'm sorry but your information is wrong.

http://www.thujone.info/

The Louche, or clouding when water is added, is from the oils in the anise coming out of suspension when water is added.

Tests on vintage absinthe have shown the amount of thujone to be many time lower than what have been previously thought, and recent studies throw doubt on much of the old wives tales.

http://www.thujone.info/

Consuming absinthe the Czech, or Russian, way is a foolish joke, as is Czech & Russian made "Absinth".:eusa_doh:
Never take the advice of a bunch of boozed up club patrons for a session of power drinking, all that will get you is a trip to the porcelain fixture for a session of projectile vomiting.

I would not recommend Alandia as they sell a lot of awful "absinth" and help perpetuate the high thujone myths.:rage:

For a dose of sanity:

http://www.oxygenee.com/absinthe-faq.html

[griffer]

I'd never drink Lemercier, it's sink worthy.

Thujone doesn't louche, I'm sorry but your information is wrong.

http://www.thujone.info/

The Louche, or clouding when water is added, is from the oils in the anise coming out of suspension when water is added....

Consuming absinthe the Czech, or Russian, way is a foolish joke, as is Czech & Russian made "Absinth"....

I would not recommend Alandia as they sell a lot of awful ...



This is why I love forums.

You are correct, Absinthe_1900, I was imprecise and incorrect- the herbal oils, of which the wormwood is a small proportion and overshadowed by the anise, are what louche. All the oils, not just the wormwood. I was trying to point out that the high alcohol is not for getting blitzed or for setting fires, but rather to keep the herbals in solution. Thanks for the clarification.

But the rush to minimize the wormwood by purists who do not want a frat/drug mentality around the drink, obscures its history and the reason Absinthe exists. From what I've read, the only reason the anise is even there in the original recipes was to balance the strong medicinal flavor of the wormwood. Just my two cents.

And if i wasn't clear, then let me reiterate, the Russian style of drinking is pure BS bravado, NOT recommended. Again, Absinthe_1900 is correct. But in Berlin, it was one of those experiences i wanted to see/have before I dismissed for what it is- crazy.

"I'll try anything once, twice if I like it, three times to make sure."- Mae West

As for Alandia as a vendor, I agree they push the thujon side, but as a supplier, they have a great range -including crap-, decent prices and their shipping has been top notch, reliable and speedy. I mentioned them as there were many in the thread wondering how you acquire such stuff. Other than face to face, I have only tried one other on-line retailer who's name escapes me, but they were horrible. I can understand the trepidation in ordering something borderline from overseas, and I thought I would vouch for one from my own experience.

Lastly, if you aren't a Lemercier guy, then fine. I avoided it because of comments like yours and various on-line articles, but I was won over by this particular bottle. If it isn't your thing, fine, but dismissing out of hand seems a bit over the top. It is a really nice drink. A sipper, not a flaming Russian slammer. ;)

Given that I am not looking for an artificial, emerald Czech/Hill's kind of thing, I would be interested in your recommendations; I would like to continue to branch out in classic absinthes, Absinthe_1900.

1900, I just noticed you are in Houston, my old hometown!

[Miss Neecerie]

It still tastes like icky liquid good and plenty.......

[griffer]

It still tastes like icky liquid good and plenty.......


And my pops says scotch tastes like turpentine.

Variety is the spice!

or, again my pops, "There's no accounting for taste!"

[Absinthe_1900]

Unfortunately Lemercier's Amer has been adulterated post distillation to boost the bitterness and raise the level of thujone. (Which I find to be a silly and needless practice.) It's not a very well made product.

I'd recommend the Jade PF 1901 as a much better representation of a classic absinthe, or any of the other Jade absinthes.
http://www.absintheonline.com/acatalog/Jade.html

The very limited L'Artisinale (Now sold out) was an incredible absinthe, and the Eichelberger and Duplais are a good product as well.
The Swiss blanches are generally decent, and an all around good buy as well.

Liqueurs de France is by far the most reliable outfit to deal with.
http://www.absintheonline.com/

The Virtual Absinthe Museum: http://oxygenee.com/ and Fee Verte: http://www.feeverte.net/ are the best online resources for information.


It still tastes like icky liquid good and plenty.......

lol ...If one doesn't like anise, then absinthe won't be too much to your liking, that's okay it saves more for me. :D

[griffer]

Unfortunately Lemercier's Amer has been adulterated post distillation to boost the bitterness and raise the level of thujone. (Which I find to be a silly and needless practice.) It's not a very well made product.

I'd recommend the Jade PF 1901 as a much better representation of a classic absinthe, or any of the other Jade absinthes.
http://www.absintheonline.com/acatalog/Jade.html...

Thanks for the info and rec's.

I have a new bottle for my next order!

[John in Covina]

The Louche, or clouding when water is added, is from the oils in the anise coming out of suspension when water is added.

*******

If you have ever had Ouzo, the Greek liquor with water, it also does the clouding thing! First in the drink then to the mind in suficient quantities!

[Absinthe_1900]

Aniseed based liquors (Arak, Ouzo, Pastis, Herbsaint, Absinthe, etc.)all will louche, or turn cloudy with water.

Basically, the anethol in the anise, either green aniseed, or star anise, is responsible for the louche action when combined with water.

[Harry Pierpont]

There was a History Channel show on "distilleries" that had quite an interesting part on Absinthe, about the myth and the correct ingredients. It's been on several times.

[Absinthe_1900]

There was also a similar program on the Food Network called "The Thirsty Traveller" that did a good show on absinthe.

[VaderSS]

I've never had absinthe so I don't know the effects it would have on me. I've been interested in it since I first read of it. The ritual aspects appeal to me.

I do know that different alcohol blends have different effects on me when taken in large amounts. Maybe it's all phycological, but the best alcoholic beverage for me is Captain Morgan spiced rum. I tend to get very talkative and become the life of the party.

Annisette, one of the absinthe substitutes, tended to get me down and acting stupid. Back in my wild days when I drank enough to kill most people, my favorite bartender refused to serve it to me. Maybe it was just the mood I was in when I started drinking.

[Grnidwitch]

Hello all, lurker finally coming out of the corner.

There is a very nice liquor store in my area that sells Absinthe. I am going there tonight for a wine tasting. I'll make the effort to look for it again and report back with the name and distiller.

[Absinthe_1900]

I seriously doubt any liquor store in the USA is selling any real absinthe openly, since the FDA has not approved it for sale in the USA.

You'll likely discover that what you have seen was an absinthe substitute like Absente, (Don't waste your money) Versinthe, (Again don't waste your money) or Perhaps Muse Verte Pastis. (That one is not too bad as a substitute)

There is the modern version of Herbsaint, produced by the Sazerac Co. which is a very inexpensive introductory substitute, and good in Sazerac cocktail.

[Grnidwitch]

Yes, my dear, you are correct. What I found was, Distilleries et Domaines de Provance, Absent' Refind. The box had a Van Gogh painting on it with the sugar spoon attached.

I was under the impression that started making Absenthe again but with out the issues caused by the original recipe. I might be thinking of the stuff you warned about.

[Mike K.]

My boss recently introduced me to absinthe (a gift brought to him from overseas) and I discovered a fondness for the drink. Needless to say, I've been reading old lounge postings and searching the net for retailers & reviews. It looks like there are a couple of retailers that regularly ship to the U.S. without problems. My question to all you veteran absinthe drinkers is which brands are better. I want something with a healthy, yet balanced, amount of anise and thujone. Are any of these recommended?

Absinthe La Clandestine 53
Absinthe 72 Amer
Trul Absinthium 1792
Alandia’s Moulin Vert
Absinthe Ulex Strong

It sounds like Clandestine made it to the QM Event, so I take it this might be a good one. I wouldn't mind purchasing one blue/clear and one green.

[Flora]

I hear it's quite popular to mix with drugs.

But we won't get into that lol. And no I don't do drugs, but is it true it's good to mix with them?

[HungaryTom]

several artists are known to have drank absinthe or featured it in their work...Degas*, Manet, Van Gogh, Toulouse Lautrec, Rimbaud.... Again, the connection to artists is just more myth making. artists DRANK, and absinthe was a popular drink before its ban after 1905. so yes, artists drank absinthe, but not exclusivley. there were a number of reported violent crimes commited under the influence of absinthe that lead eventually to it's banning. it was said to turn men into raging monsters. take that 'delirium' rumour and mix it with the artistic genius/madman idea and you have the start of a very profitable urban myth.



*perhaps the most famous absinthe painting, Degas' "L'absinthe" sometimes called "absinthe drinkers", far from being a study of delirium, shows two people in a bar looking very BORED.



Yes I drank absinth w. friends, celebrating the old fashioned sugar cube ceremony stuff in Budapest. But that was a socializing event for me.
I got from Prague the King of Spirits Absinthe with Van Gogh. www.absinth.cz

I like to paint. But never get drunk or drug abused when I'm doing so. It needs namely all of my concentration and also some rest before and a sorrow free state of mind and -most important- the right feel to paint. Painting a portrait goes as same difficult for me as conference interpreting.
When I re-work or 're-edit' my paintings the anis flavor and the high alcohol contents aren't the stuff either to get an attention to detail. If I have the mood for painting, than it goes quite quickly: I never count the hours I get carried away by the flow.
So drinking absinth was NOT what got me in the mood. I have visions when I am half awaken and half in dreams - but also not from hung-over. It simply gets just a terrible headache.
Inspiration doesn't come from absinth.

Rather from listening to music while painting, smelling the stench of turpentine and oil, getting your hands dirty with the paint and finally sometimes finishing once or twice w. hands not w. brushes-even if my skin got burned down from the turpentine!

Naturally this is only my personal case - and I am far from comparing myself with great artists, who were also like others some drug abusing some alcoholic and some not.

I can also explain the ‘paradox’: those great painters gave their utmost in their paintings. Got very tired and worked like monks for their active periods. When they finished a certain amount of paintings and the gallerist paid they got some money: that called for celebration! They met each others. Most of them were on low-budgets: the painting raw material did cost also a lots of money back then too. So these ascetics celebrated life together once their paintings were successful or accepted: than they let themselves go and consumed absinth! But not all the time.

Otherwise it is not understandable why many of them lived 80+ years (Monet, Renoir, Chagall, Picasso etc.) if they would have been just drinking day in day out. My master also turned 79, he likes to drink - unlike me, I drink rather socially- but he never lied in coma or delirium and in his excrements and was always conscious and under control. A true bohéme - not an alcoholic.

Tom

[Shaul-Ike Cohen]

Go for the Clandestine. In general, stay away from the Czech ones and most of the German stuff.

Concerning mixing it with drugs - I never did drugs either, but absinthe, even good one, is a bit prone to cause headaches, so I'd stay away from that.

The "special" absinthe effect on top of alcohol is a placebo thing. If you like to reenact it, any bathtub gin or bootleg vodka will do. It was a matter of badly made absinthe, and lots of it, not of anything particular to absinthe as opposed to other booze.

And search this forum - there were some threads some time ago.

[Absinthe_1900]

My question to all you veteran absinthe drinkers is which brands are better. I want something with a healthy, yet balanced, amount of anise and thujone. Are any of these recommended?

Absinthe 72 Amer:eek:
Trul Absinthium 1792:eek:
Alandia’s Moulin Vert:eek:
Absinthe Ulex Strong:eek:


The Clandestine is a nice blanche, the others you listed are "sink worthy" and not worth buying.

Within the last few months, the first U.S. legal absinthe has made an appearance, with three others due to be released soon. (And several more as they gain govt. approval.)

If you want to try the first one available in the USA:

http://drinklucid.com/

A very reliable online international seller, the brands they carry are better than Trul & Ulex :eusa_doh: :

http://www.absintheonline.com/

Thujone is a non issue, you body can't tell what level of thujone is in a properly distilled bottle of absinthe. (The actual levels are quite low, if properly distilled)

[Mike K.]

Thanks! With a user name like yours, I figured you'd have some good advice. So far I've heard good things about the Clandestine, but mixed reviews on most other absinthes. Some brands sound best used as bathroom disinfectant. I'll look into the Lucid brand.

[Shaul-Ike Cohen]

Thanks! With a user name like yours, I figured you'd have some good advice.

So I could've saved my words, huh? :p



Some brands sound best used as bathroom disinfectant.

The problem is rather that this kind of syrop might attract all sorts of unwanted creatures to the bathroom…

[Daisy Buchanan]

Thanks! With a user name like yours, I figured you'd have some good advice. So far I've heard good things about the Clandestine, but mixed reviews on most other absinthes. Some brands sound best used as bathroom disinfectant. I'll look into the Lucid brand.

I don't know an awful lot about absinthe, but I've got about 5 bottles in my fridge, one of which is Clandestine. I like it, it seems to be smoother than the other brands I've had. Besides after a few sips, you won't be tasting much of anything:D!! (JK)

[Absinthe_1900]

Yes I drank absinth w. friends, celebrating the old fashioned sugar cube ceremony stuff in Budapest. But that was a socializing event for me.

I got from Prague the King of Spirits Absinthe with Van Gogh. www.absinth.cz
Tom

Yikes! my sympathy for you having to endure :rage: Absinth King of Spirits,:rage: which bears no resemblance to anything remotely like absinthe.

:rage: King of Spirits :rage: is a particularly noxious bottle of cheap herbs, soaking in a poorly rectified vodka, which makes a horribly bitter undrinkable mess. (When absinthe is properly distilled, the distillation process removes the bitterness from the wormwood)

The mythic stories of the Belle Epoch artists and absinthe are somewhat over blown, millions of average people enjoyed absinthe during the period, with no major problems, much of what was called absinthism, was in reality alcoholism, which goes quite a way toward explaining the behavior of some historical figures from the era.

[Absinthe_1900]

I don't know an awful lot about absinthe, but I've got about 5 bottles in my fridge, one of which is Clandestine. I like it, it seems to be smoother than the other brands I've had. Besides after a few sips, you won't be tasting much of anything:D!! (JK)

Putting absinthe in the fridge will ruin it.:eusa_doh:

Keep it around room temperature, and if it's a verte, keep it in the dark as well.

[Mike K.]

I've got about 5 bottles in my fridge, one of which is Clandestine.
I'll be on the next flight to Boston!:D

[Daisy Buchanan]

Putting absinthe in the fridge will ruin it.:eusa_doh:

Keep it around room temperature, and if it's a verte, keep it in the dark as well.
Great information, it is out of the fridge right now!! Thanks so very much!! I would hate to ruin something so expensive as well as difficult to get. I wish the company I had purchased it from had given me such directions. They actually told me to keep it chilled[huh] Damn them!!! But I do appreciate it and I'm hoping that nothing has been ruined. Actually, only 2 of the five bottles were chilled, so at least I'll still have three bottles safe:)
Thanks so much! Whew, what a disaster:(


Mike, my door is always open, that is if you want to take such a long flight for a bunch of worthless absinthe!!!!

[Mike K.]

Daisy, where did you purchase from?


Mike, my door is always open, that is if you want to take such a long flight for a bunch of worthless absinthe!!!!
Oh, it would be for the company of you and Hemingway, not the drink!;)
Hopefully I'll be able to join everyone this year at the QM.

[Shaul-Ike Cohen]

Keep it around room temperature, and if it's a verte, keep it in the dark as well.

But didn't you point out yourself that they're legal again in the states? :D

[Absinthe_1900]

Now you can try it without paying a fortune in shipping.;)

http://www.drinkupny.com/product_p/s0390.htm

[Mike K.]

Has anyone tried the Ang?©lique verte?
http://www.kurtsmetana.com/images/absinthe/IMG_0517.JPG

[Absinthe_1900]

No, it's colored with artemisia absinthium, which is a major "Ordinaire's Blunder" :eusa_doh:
Using wormwood to color an absinthe ruins it.:rage:

The Swiss do not yet have a handle on producing a nice verte.

[RedPop4]

Whatever you do
do NOT smoke and drink your absinthe. Your clothes will reek, and your "
throat feel like you've swallowed sandpaper."

Non-smoking drinkers only, please. It just wouldn't do to allow a smoker to share.

[Mike K.]

But their Originale is decent?
What's the best retailer for importing?

[Absinthe_1900]

The Swiss make a decent blanche, but have lost the art of coloring a verte. Long story

Personally for a first-timer, I'd try this:

http://www.drinkupny.com/product_p/s0390.htm

If you want to import, and go with the more expensive brands try:

http://www.absintheonline.com/

The U.S. market will be changing now that a handful of of absinthes are being approved for sale here, and when the domestic producers are up and running, you'll see some very nice absinthe coming to the market.

[Absinthe_1900]

Whatever you do
do NOT smoke and drink your absinthe. Your clothes will reek, and your "
throat feel like you've swallowed sandpaper."

Non-smoking drinkers only, please. It just wouldn't do to allow a smoker to share.

You know they have it in the quarter now, which is nice to see absinthe back in the bars in NOLA.;)

[Marc Chevalier]

Whatever you do, do NOT smoke and drink your absinthe.



Damn straight. Smoking ruins the absinthe's flavor.

.

[Marc Chevalier]

It sounds like Clandestine made it to the QM Event, ...



No, sir: Clandestine was AWOL from that event. In fact, it was Charlotte La Capricieuse (absinthe from the Val-De-Travers, Switzerland) which hopped onto the boat.


There might be a repeat this year ... I owe Feraud and Scotrace a glass or three. ;)

.

[griffer]

You know they have it in the quarter now, which is nice to see absinthe back in the bars in NOLA.;)


Where!! Napolean's? The ol' Absinthe Bar?

It's been a few years, I am not sure what's open anymore...

[Mike K.]

Hey, the thread finally moved (to a more appropriate venue)!:eusa_clap

[HadleyH]

You know, I've never tried Absinthe in my life, but somebody gave me once a little bottle of it (that I've neve opened [huh] ) it stands there on the shelf as an ornament kind of thing lol, may be one day I'll open it...:)

[Tomasso]

I understand that Marilyn Manson is a big fan of absinthe and imbibes daily. [huh]

[HadleyH]

I understand that Marilyn Manson is a big fan of absinthe and imbibes daily. [huh]


Imbibes??????? lol lol lol OMG how I love the sound of that word!!!!!!! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

[Tomasso]

Imbibes??????? lol lol lol OMG how I love the sound of that word!!!!!!! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap
Yes, it seems to lend an air of respectability to the act. ;)

[HadleyH]

Yes, it seems to lend an air of respectability to the act. ;)


lol lol lol Yes it does!
Imbibed - Imbibing ... What a great find of a word Tomasso! :D

[Highlander]

Who here has tried it? Thoughts?

[scotrace]

Please use the "Search" feature.

[juanrayon]

I haven't tried but am eager to. I'm in New Orleans, and there's a bar here called Absinthe House, where there are spigots which used to dispense it. The local liquor store has it for about $70 per bottle as I recall.

[Absinthe_1900]

The fountains were used to drip cold water into the absinthe.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff235/Herbsaint/fountaincopy.jpg

An excerpt from an original Old Absinthe House booklet, produced by Legendre & Co. for the old absinthe house.


To find out accurate info on absinthe go to: http://www.feeverte.net/

There will be quite a bit more absinthe in New Orleans than usual this July at Tales of the Cocktail. http://www.talesofthecocktail.com/2008/index.php ;)

[SPRFINO]

Tried it once in Amsterdam...I do not recommend pairing with 'other' substances.

[Absinthe_1900]

There is nothing in absinthe that is any worse than any other liquor.

You're on your own mixing high proof alcohol, with 'other' substances. :eusa_doh:

[Miss Neecerie]

What Scot was trying to get you all to do ......was go post in one of the -existing- threads....


http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=25414&highlight=absinth

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=13652&highlight=absinth

[Brad Bowers]

Two threads have now become one.

Brad

[retrogirl1941]

What is the proper way to serve absinthe'? I went out to dinner one night and the place served absinthe' but I think the poured a spoonfull of sugar in the glass(no cube) and just poured the water in. Are you ever supposed to burn the sugar?I have seen that in a few movies.

Samantha

[BellyTank]

What is the proper way to serve absinthe'? I went out to dinner one night and the place served absinthe' but I think the poured a spoonfull of sugar in the glass(no cube) and just poured the water in. Are you ever supposed to burn the sugar?I have seen that in a few movies.

Samantha

Maybe you're thinking of Heroin.
Absinthe is more expensive.
Don't confuse the two.

B
T

[retrogirl1941]

Maybe you're thinking of Heroin.
Absinthe is more expensive.
Don't confuse the two.

B
T


I don't think so. In the movie "From Hell" and "Moulin Rouge" they burn the sugar cube and then pour water over it. I know ,I know great refrences:rolleyes: but, thats all I have ever seen about absinthe other than the info posted here.

Samantha

[Absinthe_1900]

Burning sugar will ruin a glass of decent absinthe.

Setting fire to sugar cubes originated in Prague, where Czech "absinth" tastes so awful that you can't harm the flavor of their industrial swill.

A good reference place: http://www.oxygenee.com/

Generally most absinthe I've had doesn't really need sugar, but if you prefer it sweeter a little background here:

http://www.oxygenee.com/absinthe-drink/ritual4.html

[Shaul-Ike Cohen]

I have seen that in a few movies.

That alone shold make you think… ;)

Absinthe_1900 is right, as usual - didn't pick his name for nuffn.

Whether you use sugar at all or not, is a matter of personal taste (I don't). If you like it a bit sweeter - perfectly fine. But if you don't, you shouldn't ruin your drink just for the "ritual", in my opinion. Interestingly, though there's no real continuity, modern Czech absinthes are still so ghastly you can't fix them with sugar, burned or not. Swiss absinthes, locally drunk without any sugar, are still decent.

Also, my impression is it loses somewhat if one takes a sweetener tablet. (You can always claim it's laudanum.)

[retrogirl1941]

Thanks everybody! I do like my drinks sweeter than most. I guess next time I plan on having a glass of absinthe I will just have to add more sugar.

Samantha

[retrogirl1941]

That alone shold make you think… ;)

.)

Well Moulin Rouge was what got in interested in Absinthe'.So much so I went as the green fairy for halloween one year!(I know I AM a dork!) The movies not so historically accurate but its entertaining.

Samantha

[C.K.Farnsworth]

For Los Angelinos, you can simply visit my friend Max the bartender at the Cicada Club in Downtown LA on any sunday night and he will gladly pour you a traditional absinthe or one of his very own absinthe cocktail inventions. The ceremony of it as well as the controversy makes the experience of drinking it all the more enticing!

[Panache]

I had the opportunity to try Absinthe at the St. George distillery in Alameda California this past Sunday.

Here is an article about them and their efforts to produce it from the SF Gate

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/05/MNQJTO9FM.DTL

Very strong stuff and very strong flavors (primarily anise). Interesting, but not likely to become my tipple of choice.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u88/TheF-HCAG/WhiskyTaste%202008/DSC06368.jpg

I did enjoy how when poured it was golden and clear and then the ice made it cloudy

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u88/TheF-HCAG/WhiskyTaste%202008/DSC06362.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j35/walkerk77/HangarOne/TIMG_2047.jpg


Cheers

Jamie

[Scuffy]

Jamie- Have they started distributing it yet? I checked St. George Spirits' website and it's not listed yet. I'd enjoy trying some American absinthe. Got my first taste about 3 months ago when I found that the local liquor store had started to get a brand, the name escapes me now. But none the less it was quite good!!

[rumblefish]

Lucid perhaps? That's what I've been buying

I've been looking for St. George myself.
Their website doesn't mention it at all, right?[huh]

[Scuffy]

Lucid perhaps? That's what I've been buying

I've been looking for St. George myself.
Their website doesn't mention it at all, right?[huh]


Sadly no. :( But if you hear anything report back!!!! I'll do likewise! ;)

[Absinthe_1900]

I don't recommend St. George since it tastes closer to a glass of pesto, than a glass of absinthe, but if you really want to pop for a bottle try:

http://www.drinkupny.com/

[rumblefish]

^ Thanks, just placed an order: La Fee Absinthe Parisienne and the Old Raj Gin I've been looking for.:eusa_clap

[Hexenmeister]

At long last and after much searching and waiting, absinthe has broken through the Zion Curtain and found its way to Utah. What does one do to celebrate? Well, buy a bottle, of course.

I was able to find two varieties of true absinthe. One was Le Tourment Vert, the other Lucid Absinthe Supérieure, the poster child of newly legal absinthe. After reading reviews that called Le Tourment Vert, which mentioned a very artificial coloring, weak louche, and minty flavor, I opted for the Lucid, which is described as a great introductory absinthe, and not overpowering. Still, the price tag of $59.99 for 750ml was cause for a bit of sticker shock on my part. It's the most I've ever spent of a bottle of liquor.

I enjoyed my first glass in the traditional manner of absinthe, water and sugar. An amazing liquor it is. It has a nice louche to it and a nice herbal/anise flavor. I saw no fairies, but my tongue did feel a bit numb when I drank it.

I think absinthe will be a new constant of my liquor collection.

[Absinthe_1900]

Don't waste your money on the Le Tourment Vert, it's undrinkable.
Le Tourment Vert is closer to drinking industrial waste mixed with mouthwash. :rage:

Avoid at all costs.

[Hexenmeister]

At long last and after much searching and waiting, absinthe has broken through the Zion Curtain and found its way to Utah. What does one do to celebrate? Well, buy a bottle, of course.

I was able to find two varieties of true absinthe. One was Le Tourment Vert, the other Lucid Absinthe Supérieure, the poster child of newly legal absinthe. After reading reviews that called Le Tourment Vert, which mentioned a very artificial coloring, weak louche, and minty flavor, I opted for the Lucid, which is described as a great introductory absinthe, and not overpowering. Still, the price tag of $59.99 for 750ml was cause for a bit of sticker shock on my part. It's the most I've ever spent of a bottle of liquor.

I enjoyed my first glass in the traditional manner of absinthe, water and sugar. An amazing liquor it is. It has a nice louche to it and a nice herbal/anise flavor. I saw no fairies, but my tongue did feel a bit numb when I drank it.

I think absinthe will be a new constant of my liquor collection.

I've read that. It's supposedly very artificial in nature. I really like my Lucid, even though I'm sure there are better absinthes out there.

[Hexenmeister]

All this absinthe talk reminded me of a Halloween party I went to last year. MY dad's friend, Todd (the guy throwing the party), marched out of the house bursting with pride and giggling over the bottle of "opiate" he had "procured" in Vegas. "Only in Vegas can you get your hands on this stuff," he announced, holding a bottle of Absente (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absente) (or as he was pronouncing it, ab-sen-'tay, as though it were some sort of libation from Mexico) the well known fake absinthe. He kept mentioning how you couldn't find it in Utah, and how "illegal" it was. I treid to tell him that not only was Absente not an opiate and not illegal, but that you could get it at the liquor store just up the street. However, Todd had been drunk most of the day, so I felt it better to just let him have his fantasy for the night.

The thing that got me was the fact that he started to pass the bottle around the bonfire, and people were drinking it straight from the bottle. Granted, it's not real absinthe, but it's still 110 proof and quite capable of messing you up. This fact was well observed when Mike took a few big chugs from the bottle and was soon unable to stay up in his chair. I think he spent the rest of the party planted safely on the grass. lol

[Panache]

Jamie- Have they started distributing it yet? I checked St. George Spirits' website and it's not listed yet. I'd enjoy trying some American absinthe. Got my first taste about 3 months ago when I found that the local liquor store had started to get a brand, the name escapes me now. But none the less it was quite good!!

Scuffy,

Sorry for not responding sooner, I didn't see your post until today. It takes up the better part of a day to distill the absinth (something like 18 distillations are needed). So this puts one of their 3 stills out for the production of their vodkas for a full day. being that their "Hanger 1" brand vodka is the mainstay of their business they can't afford to produce a lot of absinth. This is why it is only available at the distillery for now.

The good news is that they are awaiting a new still (from this Austrian company that has been making them since Hector was a pup) and this one will be dedicated to producing absinth. They had the platform already built for it, the base of which was designed to look a bit like the base of the Eiffel tower.

Keep chasing the Green Fairy folks! ;)

Cheers

Jamie

[Absinthe_1900]

A better domestic absinthe is on it's way:
http://www.pacificdistillery.com/

The Absinthe Pacifique is very nice.

[Absinthe_1900]

It takes up the better part of a day to distill the absinth (something like 18 distillations are needed).

Not quite, one distillation is needed to make absinthe.

First one macerates the herbs in alcohol, then the macerate is distilled, then colored. (if one is making a verte)

It does take a number of hours depending on the size of the run.

This might illustrate the process better:

http://www.oxygenee.com/absinthe-distillation.html

[MadelienneBlack]

I really like my Lucid, even though I'm sure there are better absinthes out there.

When we found out Absinthe was legalized and that you could purchase it in only two stores in Maryland, my boyfriend made a 45 minute trip to buy me a bottle of Lucid to celebrate.

All I have to say is that after louching and drinking a good half of the bottle, I came up with the brilliant idea to put on some good swing music and bake cupcakes. I remember we danced around my living room non-stop for the entire 20 minutes they were in the oven. And afterwards, we danced some more.

Lucid spawned one of the best and most memorable evenings I've ever had. But I'll admit it's a bit of an acquired taste.

[retrogirl1941]

I went to our ABC liquor store today and picked up Lucid. They had various other varieties(I dont remember the name's). I am very happy with Lucid. I have come to the conclusion that last time I had absinthe it wasnt prepared properly but this time........well lets just say I feel very nice right now(absinthe in hand:D ). Thanks you reviews and such folks!

Samantha

[KilroyCD]

I'm not as drunk as you think I am!(hehehelol )

Samanthalol
Don't you mean, "I'm not as think as you drunk I am" (hic)?

(But occifer, I'm not under the alcofluence of incohol like some theople pink I am)

[retrogirl1941]

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k34/homefrontgal77/001.jpg

Samantha

[retrogirl1941]

Does anyone know about the brand Chartreuse? I saw it in the ABC store yesterday and wanted to know if it was a good brand or not.

Samantha

[Absinthe_1900]

Chartreuse is funny stuff, it isn't an absinthe, and sure doesn't taste like absinthe, and is even more of an acquired taste for many than absinthe usually is.
It's definitely something to sip very slow, in small quantities.

Be careful with over indulging in Chartreuse, some report it gives them the worst hangovers ever experienced, while I've not encountered that effect, Personally, I've alway felt like a monkey slept in my mouth the day after indulging in a few glasses of Chartreuse.... Your mileage may vary.

[retrogirl1941]

Thank you for the review. I cant say I will run out and buy it. I can barely handle one glass of Lucid. So what other brands arer good ones?

Samantha

[Absinthe_1900]

I usually drink absinthe that is not available to the general public, but the market is expanding, and there will be some very nice brands coming soon like the Pacifique, and the Jade series, and a few others that are in the pipeline.

Try a couple of these:

http://www.leopoldbros.com/Leopold_Bros./Absinthe_Verte.html

http://www.drinkupny.com/La_Clandestine_Absinthe_Superieure_p/s0638.htm

I'd avoid Absente / Grande Absente, Pernod absinthe, Mata Hari, Le Tourment Verte, and Green Moon, these are all a great substitute for drain cleaner.

Some like St. George, but it has a pesto-salad dressing taste that I just can't recommend.

Go to http://www.feeverte.net/forum/index.php?act=idx you can find out what is coming to market, and read the reviews.

[retrogirl1941]

My friend is bringing "Czech Strong" to my hosue next weekend. I cant find any info on that brand anywhere on the web. Is it a good brand?

PS- I have already discovered Absinte is aweful. The stuff I had didnt louch right or the water was'nt cold enough. Dont know![huh]

Samantha

[celtic]

My friend is bringing "Czech Strong" to my hosue next weekend. I cant find any info on that brand anywhere on the web. Is it a good brand?
PS- I have already discovered Absinte is aweful. The stuff I had didnt louch right or the water was'nt cold enough. Dont know![huh]

Samantha

no.

generally, any absinthe (or assorted spellings) from the czech republic is industrial cleaner.

i'm sure there are exceptions, but as a general rule, stay far, far away.

oh, and 1900, glad to see you're still kicking!

[retrogirl1941]

I was thinking I heard someone say to stay away from czech absinthe. I was going to try it and see. My friend swears by "Czech Strong".We will see.

Samantha

[Absinthe_1900]

Czech Strong is swill, it's a poorly made product that is about undrinkable.
Don't drink it, just sink it. Anyone who swears by it, doesn't know anything about decent absinthe. lol

There are a couple of Czech producers working on doing a traditional distilled absinthe, but they have a ways to go on the learning curve.
Sadly, most of the Czech producers are still hyping false thujone claims, and alluding that you'll trip if you drink their swill.



Hi Celtic,...Still kicking, I still check in at the Lounge now and then.

[crinel]

Absinthe is the best way to get wasted really fast...

[retrogirl1941]

My friend just left. He brought his bottle of Czech Strong. I will defintley agree that it should be used as drain cleaner! awk! It was aweful! And he put it in the frigidaire! After reading this thread and various other websites I have come to the conclusion that it ruins the absinthe (not that this took a trip to frigidaire to kill the taste!lol ) I ended up drinking a glass of Lucid. I noticed the Czech Strong didnt louche at all. I wonder if that's from keeping it chilled? Despite the bad absinthe we had a great conversation while drinking our absinthe's.

Samantha

[Absinthe_1900]

Refrigerating absinthe will cause the anethol (from the anise) to solidify, and settle in flakes in the bottle.

Most Czech "absinth" doesn't louche because it's not made properly, there isn't much more you could do other than sink that swill.

[Caroline]

OK so since this is the absinthe Q&A depot, I'll pose this question. Are any of these brands worth buying? This is what is in stock at the NH state liquor stores, where I shop for most of my liquor.

8658 Absente "Absinthe Refined"
325 Absenthe Glass & Spoon Gift Box
10160 Auvigne Pouilly Fuisse Solutre
8652 Grande Absenthe Absinthe Originale
3382 Green Moon Absinthe Vodka
6866 Lucid Absinthe Liqueur

I've never had absinthe. I'm interested in it because among the 7 pages of recipes for the "original" Zombie on TikiCentral, recipes with absinthe are included. If you feel this is an abomination please let me know. I may try absinthe straight too, if any of these brands are FL approved. Thanks in advance!

[celtic]

OK so since this is the absinthe Q&A depot, I'll pose this question. Are any of these brands worth buying? This is what is in stock at the NH state liquor stores, where I shop for most of my liquor.

8658 Absente "Absinthe Refined"
325 Absenthe Glass & Spoon Gift Box
10160 Auvigne Pouilly Fuisse Solutre
8652 Grande Absenthe Absinthe Originale
3382 Green Moon Absinthe Vodka
6866 Lucid Absinthe Liqueur

I've never had absinthe. I'm interested in it because among the 17 pages of recipes for the "original" Zombie on TikiCentral, recipes with absinthe are included. If you feel this is an abomination please let me know. I may try absinthe straight too, if any of these brands are FL approved. Thanks in advance!

you can cross the first two off your list.

I'm sure the chap who posted right above you can comment on the others.

[Absinthe_1900]

All of the Absente incarnations are not worth drinking, including the new Grande Absente, it's just an overpriced oil mix.

Green Moon = Drain Opener, run away! run away!

10160 Auvigne Pouilly Fuisse Solutre.....I've not encountered this one, but I'd hang on to my money, and watch the forum at Fee Verte for any news.

Lucid is an okay beginners absinthe, It's a distilled, naturally colored absinthe verte.
You might check your area to see if they have Kubler, it's a very simple Swiss style absinthe blanche.


This is reportedly what was used back in the day in a Zombie:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff235/Herbsaint/40sHerbsaint.jpg

You can use the modern version of Herbsaint in a Zombie, and it will be cheaper than a bottle of absinthe.

Lucid would be okay in a Zombie.

[Hemingway Jones]

I have several unopened bottles i've brought back from Europe. Is there any particular way I should store them?
-How about once I open them?

[Absinthe_1900]

If they are an absinthe verte (Green) You'll want to keep them in the dark, out of direct sunlight, corked, standing up.

I keep mine in a 1930s liquor cabinet/bar.

[Hemingway Jones]

Merci!

[Tomasso]

It would be very appreciative if the knowledgeable ones here would be kind enough to recommend their choices for 'THE Premier Absinthe', with the proviso that it would have to be available in America (NY, Chicago, Miami). :)

[Absinthe_1900]

There a few micro distillers getting approved, that should have some nice absinthe on the shelves soon.

Absinthe Pacifique.

http://www.pacificdistillery.com/

http://www.king5.com/video/news-index.html?nvid=268056

Leopold Bros.
http://www.leopoldbros.com/Leopold_Bros./Absinthe_Verte.html

Jade Absinthe is now being imported, I believe they have the Nouvelle Orleans approved, with the rest of the line coming as each variety gets TTB approval.

The Swiss Clandestine Blanche is approved and being imported, I believe Drink Up NY is selling online.

There are a number of brands awaiting approval by the TTB, some very good, some not, it's going to take some time for the the market to mature, and U.S. distillers build up the infrastructure to produce a well made absinthe.
There are also some very talented experimenters working behind the scenes that may get to go commercial in the future.

Good stuff is on the way, follow the different absinthe forums, and sit back and have a drink.

[randooch]

Never having drunk the liquor in question, I wonder if it all has a licorice flavor, as I have heard. Thanks

[Shaul-Ike Cohen]

Pastis has - in fact French laws ask for a minimum of glycyrrhizin, which gives the liquorice flavour. Not sure about the other ersatz absinthes such as anisette or ouzo.

[Absinthe_1900]

If one compares anise and fennel (which are ingredients of absinthe) to licorice, then you could say it resembles licorice in a broad sense.

Generally Pastis has more of a licorice flavor than absinthe, a well made absinthe has a more complex flavor profile, if you buy a decent brand.

Absinthe is an anise based liquor, if you enjoy anise, then you should enjoy absinthe.

[rumblefish]

Of what's available at drinkupny.com what would you suggest? I already have Lucid and La Fee Absinthe Parisienne.

[Absinthe_1900]

I'd buy the Swiss made La Clandestine.

Most of the others I wouldn't waste my time with.

[TaiPan]

Greetings all -- my first posting on the Lounge, and I felt compelled to jump in on the absinthe thread! I am not the expert that many of you clearly are, but I will encourage those of you who are curious about absinthe to give it a try -- with the admonition that you do a bit of homework first to find something decent.

I have, like some of you, tried Czech brands of absinthe that I would not give an enemy -- anisette with some wormwood thrown as an afterthought! However, I have had some French brands (La Fee is my favorite thus far, but I really am a beginner) that were delightful -- amber flecks in a green cloud during the louche, wonderful to the taste, followed by a tremendous clarity of thinking.

It helps, of course, that I live in Hong Kong ... I can buy absinthe in the grocery store! (Cuban cigars are readily available here, too ... :)

Cheers

[Subvet642]

As for myself, I'd been getting my absinthe from a vendor in France for several years. I've tried many labels, some that I like more than others. The Czechs and Germans typically don't use anise in their absinthe, as it's not a popular flavor in central and Eastern Europe. Without anise, absinthe will not louche. The louche effect occurs when the essential oils from the anise precipitate out of solution as the alcohol concentration decreases with the addition of water or other mixer (I like lemonade, it's called a Hemingway), and becomes cloudy. I would recommend that folks try the labels available in the U.S., and see what you like. Swiss, French and Spanish labels are all pretty good bets to start. Personally, with all of the absinthes I've tried so far (only about 12 or so), I like Lucid very much. But remember, this is very subjective. If taste were objective, then there would be only one version of everything. Lucid is the commercial label from Ted Breault of Jade Absinthe fame, and I recommend it, and anything he produces, very highly.

[TaiPan]

Add lemonade to your absinthe! Thanks for the excellent suggestion, SubVet -- I tried a "Hemingway," i.e. absinthe and lemonade, last night -- and it made for an excellent birthday drink.

[Miss_Bella_Hell]

I love pastis, but am somewhat wary of absinthe, because my only experience with it was in a Mad Hatter cocktail at Milk & Honey in NYC, which was TERRIBLE.

Not sure why, exactly.

[Absinthe_1900]

It's likely they used an awful brand of absinthe like Le Tourment Vert, or Mata Hari, both of which are better suited to being poured down a sink.

If you are new to absinthe, you are better off starting with a glass of absinthe, with water dripped into the glass as per the classic way, instead of a fancy cocktail. (A lot of bars don't really know how to properly serve absinthe, much less how to use it in a mixed drink)

If you like Pastis, you'll generally like a decent absinthe, pick up a bottle of La Clandestine as a start, you should be able to find that one in your area.

Avoid Le Tourment Vert, Mata Hari, Absente, modern Pernod 68 absinthe, and pick up some of the better brands, Leopold Bros is a nice verte, and elsewhere in the thread are some recommendations.

Some nice info:
http://www.oxygenee.com/absinthe-faq/faq1.html
http://www.oxygenee.com/absinthe-drink/ritual1.html

[Caity Lynn]

This thread has been incredibly informative! Thank you all!
While I am still underage, I intend to get my hands on a bottle of Absinthe for my Twenty First Birthday. (Simply because I know of several friends and myself who are interested in tasting it.) :) The drinking will be responsible don't worry, I'll make sure it's watered and sugared down appropriately ;)

[Subvet642]

Add lemonade to your absinthe! Thanks for the excellent suggestion, SubVet -- I tried a "Hemingway," i.e. absinthe and lemonade, last night -- and it made for an excellent birthday drink.

My pleasure, I'm here to help! I've read that Hemingway used to drink it that way, but who can say for sure? Oh, and Happy Birthday! :cheers1:

[scotrace]

I had Absinthe for the first time at the Cicada Club, thanks to the gracious Marc Chevalier. It was every bit as fun, and more delicious, than I expected.

[DapperCat77]

I've been drinking absinthe for a while now, it's only recently become legal again in the u.s. but we had a bottle given to us before then. I say if you're going to drink it do it classic style with cold water I would never make a mixed drink with it, But that's just me, I'm a purist.

[ortega76]

Anyone know where I can buy Absinthe spoons and glasses in Chicago? I'd prefer to check them put myself as opposed to ordering online.

[randooch]

Fairly interesting take on absynthe:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/fashion/04absinthe.html?_r=1

[celtic]

Fairly interesting take on absynthe:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/04/fashion/04absinthe.html?_r=1

just grate.

:eusa_doh:

[John in Covina]

Ah yes the New York Times, the reporting formula is to do a little bit of skin deep research, act as an authority and then put it all down as last year's fashions.

Is there anything sophisticated enough for the Times? Apparently not.
Hip enough? No.
NYT- "true" sophistication over enjoyment- rules.

[Absinthe_1900]

A nice reply to the laughable NYT absinthe article.

http://boozynyc.com/2009/01/the-times-takes-down-absinthe.html

[MrBern]

Ah yes the New York Times, the reporting formula is to do a little bit of skin deep research, act as an authority and then put it all down as last year's fashions.

Is there anything sophisticated enough for the Times? Apparently not.
Hip enough? No.
NYT- "true" sophistication over enjoyment- rules.

Sophisticated?
So you dont think that the article seems fairly turned off by pretentious bars serving flaming shots of absinthe to hipsters seeking an 19th century high?

[John in Covina]

Sophisticated?
So you dont think that the article seems fairly turned off by pretentious bars serving flaming shots of absinthe to hipsters seeking an 19th century high?
************
Are you simply being a stick in the mud?

[John in Covina]

When people go out to have a good time such as to a high end bar or dining at a fine restaurant there is a sense of PRESENTATION. If some sembelance of showmanship is being provided with the presentation it adds to the enjoyment of the drink or meal and helps create a memorable moment for those that are partaking in the moment and even for those around them. When the chef comes out to do a flambe at the table of if the bartender does some high octane fun at the bar, it's part of the ceremony that makes for some involvement and personalized service.

From the waiter doing the pepper grinding or making the Caesar salad at the table it all adds to the moment unless you're totally jaded.

[MrBern]

************
Are you simply being a stick in the mud? Is your idea of fun deflating the enjoyment of others? Please go and write for the NY Times and dispense to all of us plebian peons you most righteous knowledge master.:eek:

John, I think we can disagree on a news article without getting petty.

The author clearly had a crappy time & refers to the experience as:

third-hand piffle masquerading as transgressive pop culture.

So he doesnt like licorice flavored drinks.

You complain that its skin deep research but clearly the reporter went to more than one bar serving absinthe & interviewed & qouted bartenders, owners, absinthe enthusiasts on more than one distiller of the beverage.

And I still dont see how flaming shots capture 19th century atmosphere.

[John in Covina]

I hate clowns and disdain circuses but I don't tell people not to go simply because I don't like it, they might enjoy it.

Pretentious: 1: characterized by pretension: as a: making usually unjustified or excessive claims (as of value or standing) <the pretentious fraud who assumes a love of culture that is alien to him — Richard Watts> b: expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance, worth, or stature <pretentious language> <pretentious houses>
2: making demands on one's skill, ability, or means : ambitious <the pretentious daring of the Green Mountain Boys in crossing the lake — American Guide Series: Vermont>

Now I will admit going to two bars in NYC is a miraculous accomplishment especially at the prices they charge but I hardly feel it is that daring reporting that captures the Pulizer.

I find it annoying when people put on airs to poo-poo other peoples' enjoyment. It's interesting and fun unless you just not into it.

[MrBern]

Believe it or not, even in NYC there arent tons of bars serving Absinthe.
Seems like he's done a pretty good job of describing the lack of crowd & what the concoction tasted like.
I dont understand why youre mocking a lifestyle article for not making Pulitzer attempts? Are you serious , or do you jsut like to bash NYC?
If you really feel this article is unfair, can you make some recommendations?



Now it is legal, and so we are in the midst of what appears to be an absinthe mini-craze. But to follow the arc of this craze, like others that have come before (remember cigar bars?) is to see just how quickly something that was once illicit — and acquired notoriety because of that very illicitness — can lose its sheen of mystery and become, well, rather uncool. Once the naughty aura of the forbidden fruit is removed, all that remains is a grasp at unearned sophistication.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Edouard_Manet_001.jpg/346px-Edouard_Manet_001.jpg

[Feraud]

I find it annoying when people put on airs to poo-poo other peoples' enjoyment. It's interesting and fun unless you just not into it.

To be fair we do that a lot around here with very little complaint.

We knock fedoras that do not fit our vintage or reproduction pedigree, modern suits and the people who wear them, the economy, modern manners and ethics, those who do not appreciate the vintage lifestyle, etc. etc.

So a writer from the NYTimes describes the current Absinthe craze as trendy and lacking in all the romance and atmosphere some Lounge members want to embrace. This is an issue? :eusa_doh:

[John in Covina]

The reccomendation is that people, unless this is an expose of car repair ripoffs, people prefer POSITIVE experiences that lead to having fun times not grumpy reviews. If this was about a poor play being staged and he wants people to stay a way from it i can see what he has done, but the fact that he doesn't like licorice doesn't mean everyone else doesn't. By presenting it as some short lasting trend that is a collection of inuendo is to shoot the dog and pony before the show begins.

Variety is the spice of life and all of those takes on variety gives us choices -the Oxygen bar, the vodka bar, the tequila bar, the brew pub. All are ideas by entrepenuers who usually discover something really cool and want to take it to the public to educate and enjoy. Negativity is contageous and articles by killjoys are deleterious to their ideas and business.

It seems that a lot of people do not understand until their Ox is gored.

[celtic]

imagine this:

the article is about Fedoras.

The 'journalist' went to a baseball hat shop in the mall, and a Burlington Coat Factory.

he then begins to preach that fedoras are a joke because only hipster xxxxxxxx and slow people too late for the recent Justin Timberlake trend wear them.

he didn't like the fedoras that were sold there (which in actuality weren't the BEST, but were the only ones available in the two non-expert shops CLAIMING to be hat experts...)

and even though he talked to 2 very intelligent people 'in the know' about the ACTUAL vintage fedora 'movement',

this 'journalist' doesn't have a CLUE what an actual fedora is or why ACTUAL devotees to fedoras wear them.

he/she forms a silly misinformed position, ignores those who are trying to make him actually grok the true history of ACTUAL fedoras, and then plasters his ignorant opinion in a newspaper.

THAT'S what some of us here saw as a problem with the absinthe piece.

[John in Covina]

Often in this situation the writer has actually formed an opinion before going to an event and then works to that end inspite of what they've seen, heard or read doing research.

Also, there is often an approach in which the writers own likes and dislikes are foisted on everyone as to what everyone's opinion should be, in sort of a "well this is obviously crap, you'd have to see that unless you're an idiot" style of writing. Sort of this way : "Of course everyone hates Yellow mustard, it's so ubiquitously non-descript, now Dijion that's mustard!"

[Feraud]

Regarding pre-formed opinions.
I totally agree. Being subjectively for or against a given topic is a bane to a fairly written piece.
I've rarely read such items whether it be from professional or aspiring opinion makers.

[MrBern]

Often in this situation the writer has actually formed an opinion before going to an event and then works to that end inspite of what they've seen, heard or read doing research.

Also, there is often an approach in which the writers own likes and dislikes are foisted on everyone as to what everyone's opinion should be, in sort of a "well this is obviously crap, you'd have to see that unless you're an idiot" style of writing. Sort of this way : "Of course everyone hates Yellow mustard, it's so ubiquitously non-descript, now Dijion that's mustard!"

Well, I can totally see that youd like to see a positive story. But the writer seems to have made his case by pointing out that this 'craze' wasnt really much more than a PR stunt with some lackluster results. Do you really expect the writer to mislead people by spreading some hype that he didnt find authentic????

Absinthe1900 very kindly posted this observational reply from a blog:
http://boozynyc.com/2009/01/the-times-takes-down-absinthe.html

The best part of the reply blogpost is in the COMMENTS which listed these two other articles in NYMAG:
http://nymag.com/restaurants/wheretoeat/2009/53183/
http://nymag.com/restaurants/wheretoeat/2009/53182/
Of those two links, one mentions being tired of 2008's retro absinthe fad. The other lists "Death in the Afternoon", an absinthe/champange cocktail as amongst the best cocktails of 2008.

Does that contradict?
NO.
The SCENE might be lackluster, but the cocktail could be fabulous.
Its a simple rule of logic, you cant compare a part to a whole.

[John in Covina]

Making a case?

It's a pseudo-sophisticate's provincial judgement being made on behalf of all.

It seems the problem with cutting edge is it becomes dull and mundane to the elitists too quickly.

Time to slop the hogs boys.

[Absinthe_1900]

imagine this:

the article is about Fedoras.

The 'journalist' went to a baseball hat shop in the mall, and a Burlington Coat Factory.

he then begins to preach that fedoras are a joke because only hipster xxxxxxxx and slow people too late for the recent Justin Timberlake trend wear them.

he didn't like the fedoras that were sold there (which in actuality weren't the BEST, but were the only ones available in the two non-expert shops CLAIMING to be hat experts...)

and even though he talked to 2 very intelligent people 'in the know' about the ACTUAL vintage fedora 'movement',

this 'journalist' doesn't have a CLUE what an actual fedora is or why ACTUAL devotees to fedoras wear them.

he/she forms a silly misinformed position, ignores those who are trying to make him actually grok the true history of ACTUAL fedoras, and then plasters his ignorant opinion in a newspaper.

THAT'S what some of us here saw as a problem with the absinthe piece.
Listen to Celtic, he's in pre-law, or pre-med, I forget.

Especially the two people interviewed, who were misquoted by the idiot reporter, their comments and feelings can't be posted here.

Hopefully Rimmy still has his baseball bat. ;)

[MrBern]

Making a case?

It's a pseudo-sophisticate's provincial judgement being made on behalf of all.

It seems the problem with cutting edge is it becomes dull and mundane to the elitists too quickly.

Time to slop the hogs boys.

Provincial?
Pseudo-sophisticate?
Slop da hogs?

One minute you extole the virtue of a peppermill, now you condemn a writer for not enjoying flaming shots of absinthe at a PublicRelations party.
Are you jsut being a hater, or have you got some better reviews of the Absinthe 'scene'? Cant you allow a writer an opinion?

It really doesnt seem youre trying to discuss the article or Absinthe.
John, why are you so angry?

[MrBern]

imagine this:

the article is about Fedoras.

The 'journalist' went to a baseball hat shop in the mall, and a Burlington Coat Factory.

he then begins to preach that fedoras are a joke because only hipster xxxxxxxx and slow people too late for the recent Justin Timberlake trend wear them.

he didn't like the fedoras that were sold there (which in actuality weren't the BEST, but were the only ones available in the two non-expert shops CLAIMING to be hat experts...)

and even though he talked to 2 very intelligent people 'in the know' about the ACTUAL vintage fedora 'movement',

this 'journalist' doesn't have a CLUE what an actual fedora is or why ACTUAL devotees to fedoras wear them.

he/she forms a silly misinformed position, ignores those who are trying to make him actually grok the true history of ACTUAL fedoras, and then plasters his ignorant opinion in a newspaper.

THAT'S what some of us here saw as a problem with the absinthe piece.

In the spirit of being fair, are we really saying that these two cocktail establishments are as mundane as a mall shop, or Burlington CoatFactory?
http://nymag.com/listings/bar/apotheke/
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/labsinthe/

[Absinthe_1900]

As far as the absinthe they offer,......yes.

[celtic]

In the spirit of being fair, are we really saying that these two cocktail establishments are as mundane as a mall shop, or Burlington CoatFactory?
http://nymag.com/listings/bar/apotheke/
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/labsinthe/


perhaps this will help:

let's say that prohibition has just ended 12 seconds ago.

let's say that a journalist decides to go to two fancy, swanky uptown joints claiming to have the best booze.

let's say that the journalist tries a Blatz, a Coors, a Schlitz and a Piels...oh, and since it's NY, a Utica Club...

but while he's there he happens to run across a couple of people who just happen to live in NYC and have been VERY familiar of the world's finest ales, porters, belgians, ets. and these folks tried to explain to the journalist the history of beer and also where to find the world's best that might not EVER be available in mainstream bars.

but instead of actually doing RESEARCH or digging beyond his and the public's misconceptions,

instead of doing an ACTUAL story...

he decides to throw back a couple of crappy brews and write a fluff piece about how beer sucks and how the scene is trite because only working class losers or snobby wannabes drink beer...
and just how booooring and over the fad is.

[celtic]

1900,

i'm not pre-med or pre-law, i'm pre-tend. :D

give the imp a pat for me.

cheers and best wishes!



p.s.

!pans ho

[John in Covina]

Provincial?
Pseudo-sophisticate?
Slop da hogs?

One minute you extole the virtue of a peppermill, now you condemn a writer for not enjoying flaming shots of absinthe at a PublicRelations party.
Are you jsut being a hater, or have you got some better reviews of the Absinthe 'scene'? Cant you allow a writer an opinion?

It really doesnt seem youre trying to discuss the article or Absinthe.
John, why are you so angry?
*************
Don't use the term hater - it's "judgemental." Follow those tactics and next you'll be calling me a Nazi.

If you were reading any of the other posters here you might get an inkling that reading wikipedia and visiting 2 bars doesn't make the guy an expert. That he has short shrifted the "scene" and did a poor job in general, by misquoting his sources he shows that he is not concerned with accuracy. It certainly seems he was looking for the outcome he got before he started and coming in with such a jaundice eye has skewed it badly.

I don't mind that he has an opinion, even one that is ill informed, what bothers me most is to pronounce judgement on it all with the idea it's for all of our benefit. It's seems clear by his efforts that he had no desire to do a good job to begin with, he probably resented being given this subject to report on by the editor.

[MrBern]

*************
Don't use the term hater - it's "judgemental." Follow those tactics and next you'll be calling me a Nazi.

If you were reading any of the other posters here you might get an inkling that reading wikipedia and visiting 2 bars doesn't make the guy an expert. That he has short shrifted the "scene" and did a poor job in general, by misquoting his sources he shows that he is not concerned with accuracy. It certainly seems he was looking for the outcome he got before he started and coming in with such a jaundice eye has skewed it badly.

I don't mind that he has an opinion, even one that is ill informed, what bothers me most is to pronounce judgement on it all with the idea it's for all of our benefit. It's seems clear by his efforts that he had no desire to do a good job to begin with, he probably resented being given this subject to report on by the editor.

Id never call you a nazi.
Just a bit negative.

But Im still wondering if someones got some positive reviews of the Absinthe 'scene'.

[randooch]

Wow! How i wished I had stumbled upon a positive review instead! But then again, disagreement is sugar to thought's yeast, so I take that back.

[Absinthe_1900]

It's not the first silly article on absinthe, and certainly won't be the last.

It's an enjoyable drink if one likes aniseed based liquor with a long and complicated history, and with much of the bad press undeserved.

There are some good references in this thread where one can find out accurate information, as the domestic producers come online and mature, there will be some very nice brands available in the coming months.

[John in Covina]

From September 08 LA Times
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/sep/12/entertainment/et-night12

[filfoster]

Fun to read this thread. We will never get to enjoy the original Gaslight era recipe anyway, so what?
I served some Absinthe late in the evening last spring at my younger daughter's graduation party to any volunteers, already well buzzed on more plebian libations. What fun! Yes, the cold water over the suger cube in the spoon, lah de dah. Everyone who tried it loved it. But, it's anise flavored and like a visit to my Aunt Fern, only enjoyed infrequently, in small doses.

[Absinthe_1900]

Fun to read this thread. We will never get to enjoy the original Gaslight era recipe anyway, so what?

Really?

You'd be surprised what is out there....

[deco_darling]

I've always had Absinthe La Fee (www.lafeeabsinthe.com/). Drank plenty strong too. I think the only time I had a hallucinations was when I tried a mixed cocktail of Champagne and Absinthe. After 5-6 glasses I was seeing things. I remember staring at a picture frame and just remember I saw 4 instead of one frame! After that day I drank less of it. La Fee cost a little over $100 but if anyone knows of a suitable and inexpensive Absinthe please let me know. I kind of miss it.

[Absinthe_1900]

Vieux Carré

Vieux Pontarlier

Leopold Brothers Absinthe

All reasonably priced and decent tasting, if not in your local liquor store check Drink Up NY online.

More decent absinthe being released domestically soon.

[deco_darling]

Much appreciated Absinthe_1900!

I will indeed try those out! Thanks for replying.

[Ethan Bentley]

I've only ever had one absinthe that gave me hallucinations, Mari Mayans, and I only has one glass. I've probably had half a dozen or so other and never had anything like that.
My wife, a big fan, likes Absinth Supreme or La Fee.

Incidentally, I've met George Rowley, the founder of Le Fee, on a couple of occasions and had a tasting with him once. It's interesting to hear the story behind La Fee as well as the details regarding the flaming.

[Ethan Bentley]

I've always had Absinthe La Fee (www.lafeeabsinthe.com/). Drank plenty strong too. I think the only time I had a hallucinations was when I tried a mixed cocktail of Champagne and Absinthe.

Death In The Afternoon - a fine drink.

[Absinthe_1900]

I've only ever had one absinthe that gave me hallucinations, Mari Mayans, and I only has one glass.

Considering Mari Mayans contains little more than a massive dose of Star Anise oil, and a tiny amount of steam extracted herbal oil content, that would be impossible. Plus a lovely neon green artificial colorlol

Other than high alcohol content, there is no psychoactive component in absinthe.

[rmcel]

Actually true absinthe has worm wood in it which at high doses it acts as an halucinagin. <sp

[Absinthe_1900]

Really?

You might want to read this thread from the beginning.

[rmcel]

Yea really. Haha

[Absinthe_1900]

So tell all me all about this "true absinthe"?

I'd like to know the brand.

[rmcel]

Relax Dr. Absinthe

[Marc Chevalier]

Yea really. Haha

Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude!


.

[Tomasso]

You might want to read this thread from the beginning.Or......Not comment.

[Ethan Bentley]

Considering Mari Mayans contains little more than a massive dose of Star Anise oil, and a tiny amount of steam extracted herbal oil content, that would be impossible. Plus a lovely neon green artificial colorlol

Other than high alcohol content, there is no psychoactive component in absinthe.

Sir, without wishing to be rude, I wonder how you can comment on whether I had hallucinations or not, regardless of their origins. Unless you were in my head at the time?

Aside from that I agree the brand does have a lurid glow. Perhaps a plutonium rod would make a nice garnish. :)

[Absinthe_1900]

Knowing what is in Mari Mayans, (and there isn't much there) anything you would have seen would have been from the alcohol, not from it's very minimal herbal content.

They really shouldn't let them even call that brand absinthe, since it's little more than a Star Anise bomb. which isn't much more than an expensive pastis.

[Ethan Bentley]

Knowing what is in Mari Mayans, (and there isn't much there) anything you would have seen would have been from the alcohol, not from it's very minimal herbal content.

They really shouldn't let them even call that brand absinthe, since it's little more than a Star Anise bomb. which isn't much more than an expensive pastis.

Thanks for the clarification. If I recall correctly the rest of the bottle broke a few weeks later when being moved to clean out a cupboard. It broke off at the neck! (Well that's what I was told)

[HadleyH]

I haven't taste it yet, but i love the fact that Absinthe has been portrayed by so many painters at the beginning of last century in all Europe and particulary France. The Impressionists love it!


'The ghostly green visage in this painting by Viktor Oliva (1861-1928) brings to life the alleged mind-altering qualities of the absinthe of the day"

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g290/mikisu/ViktorOlivaAbsintheDrinker-1.jpg

[Tomasso]

Thanks for that lovey image, Had. :)

[HadleyH]

you are welcome sweet Tomasso! :D

[Carlisle Blues]

Beautiful painting. Thank you for sharing:eusa_clap

[HadleyH]

Thank you Carlisle Blues! :)

If I may, I will post another Absinthe picture from the Belle Epoque. It's called 'The Drinkers' (1908) by Jean Beraud. It's amazing how popular that drink was then, may be the equivalent of whisky nowadays?


http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g290/mikisu/untitled-2.jpg

[Carlisle Blues]

H--your postings peaked my interest (as your postings usually do on other subjects)in the "Green Fairy".

To think that Absinthe inspired such beauty. I do not think that it is an hallucinogen. I do think it very potent, indeed.

Nice to see you:)

[HadleyH]

"Green Fairy".

To think that Absinthe inspired such beauty. I do not think that it is an hallucinogen. I do think it very potent, indeed.


Green Fairy :p
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g290/mikisu/mygfairy2.gif


To tell you the truth, i really don't know if it gave hallucinations or not, all i know is that painters like Van Gogh, Gauguin, Toulouse Lautrec ,etc were pretty much addicted to it.... it may well have been that it was only very potent [huh]
The expert on this topic is Absinthe 1900, he knows much more about this!;)

[Absinthe_1900]

No hallucinations, that is a myth. You drink ten or twenty glasses of any booze, like Verlaine, or Wilde, and you'll see things too. :p

Undiluted, absinthe is indeed a high proof spirit absinthe. The high proof is necessary to preserve herbal content.
When one dilutes a shot of absinthe in a glass with water as is the usual practice, it's not much stronger than any other alcoholic beverage.

Keep in mind millions enjoyed absinthe during the Belle Epoch era with no problems, it was a number of perfectly timed events, and bad press that helped give absinthe a notorious reputation.

Absinthe is a very pleasant drink, it may not be for everybody, but it's no worse than any other spirit.

[Carlisle Blues]

[QUOTE=HadleyH]Green Fairy :p
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g290/mikisu/mygfairy2.gif

Great graphic:)

Thanks HadleyH & Absinthe 1900

It seems that Absinthe was a powerful social tool as well between 1850 and 1920. Seems myth combined with art lent an air of exclusivity and defiance to the Absinthe drinker. Very chic;)

[celtic]

i herd it makes you trip balz

[Absinthe_1900]

Only in that other Lounge.;)

[celtic]

every time this thread pops up i have to check back in to make sure you're still fighting the good fight, my good man...

:eusa_clap

cheers, mate!

[pretty faythe]

I was thinking of getting some absinthe for a friend of mine who is an alchohol connoisseur. Was having trouble finding some that didnt cost an arm and a leg when I remembered the absinthe thread here. Found great sites.
Yay lounge!!

[MrBern]

http://thepour.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/12/absinthe-beyond-the-mystique/


No longer the stuff of romantic poets and impressionists, absinthe is now apparently as uncool and contrived as the account executives and would-be hipsters who favor it.

We decided to assess absinthe the only way we know how, which is how four of us ended up with 20 glasses of absinthe apiece in front of us.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/05/12/dining/absinthe.480.jpg

[Absinthe_1900]

The top three selections on the list they posted in the dining section is laughable.

About the only thing I'd agree with is, Le Tourment Vert is undrinkable swill.

As are Grande Absente & Pernod's absinthe which made the top of the list

[Zarniwoop]

Anybody know of a place in Sydney where I may be able to get a decent taste of the Green Fairy?

[Absinthe_1900]

Counting the days until Tales of the Cocktail (http://www.talesofthecocktail.com/), when I get to sample the pre-release of this:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff235/Herbsaint/frontlabelcopy.jpg

[Incorporeal13]

I adore absinthe.
I think it just has to be the most beautiful drink to make.
Plus, I enjoy licorice, and it's very reminiscent in flavor of it.
I love watching it turn from dazzling green to a milky green.
For some reason it always reminds me of the Emerald City on Wizard of Oz.
...Which is probably very strange.

[Arcot]

Zarniwoop, being an Adelaide fellow I'm not sure of any places in particular that I know serve a decent absinthe. But there is a very respectable online place in NSW -Absinthesalon (http://www.absinthesalon.com.au/)

My personal preference of late has been Jade Edouard when I have a bottle available. But since my preference isnt exactly cheap to drink with most friends, a bottle of la fee is a reasonable one thats available without too much trouble.