To a layman the phrase green invokes images of green meadows, gushing streams of crystal clear water, clean uncontaminated air and dense forests. But for the true lovers of fine liquor the term green connotes a different sort of meaning. Connoisseurs of liquor associate the word green to the legendary alcoholic drink absinthe. Absinthe liquor was the most popular drink of nineteenth century Europe. It was also affectionately known as the Green fairy by faithful devotees.
The French took to this liquor and very soon it rivaled wine in recognition. To this day people display an extraordinary affection to this anise-flavored drink. The aura that absinthe liquor has, besides the flavor, is due to the history and the complex ceremonial ritual that should be followed while drinking it. Absinthe carries a bitter taste which can be related to its basic ingredients such as wormwood, fennel, and anise. Absinthe liquor has high alcohol content usually in the range of 60% to 70%. Such high proof is necessary to maintain the natural green color of the drink.
Absinthe is not your everyday drink like whisky. It is a drink with illustrious history and culture behind it. Absinthe became so well received in France and Europe that wine makers were concerned about their business prospects. This intense competition led wine makers to spread rumours and stories about the dangerous effects of absinthe. A number of the unverified claims made during those times resulted in most countries suspending absinthe.
However, by the beginning of the twenty-first century most countries in the European Union started lifting the unjust ban on absinthe. Today, absinthe isn’t prohibited in Europe and the day is not far when it will claim back its rightful place as the best and finest liquor of all times. The pleasant effects of absinthe can be attributed to its ingredients. Wormwood is the main herb utilized in the creation of absinthe. Wormwood contains a chemical called thujone which is a brain stimulant. The allowable amount of thujone in absinthe in the US is 10 mg and 35 mg in Europe.
Absinthe has high alcohol content and it must not be taken in excess; three glasses of absinthe is adequate to feel the absinthe effect. The result is pleasant and you are feeling slightly inebriated but there’s a sense of lucidity that your mind experiences. The shades around you seem brighter than they usually do, you can see, smell, and taste much better. Your feeling of perception is increased and in many cases everyday chores find a way to offer you a new experience. This property of absinthe was accountable for its immense attraction to artists. Many a fantastic painters like Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso were avid customers of absinthe and linked their creative genius to its splendid effects.
Thankfully, most Europeans have accessibility to absinthe. US citizens are now able to buy absinthe online from non-US producers. US citizens may also order genuine absinthe kits and prepare their own individual absinthe liquor by simply following the basic instructions that come along with the kit. For more information on absinthe kits and other absinthe items visit absinthekit.com.