I was in Switzerland over the holidays and the legality of absinthe came up. Well, we can all stop loosing sleep because it is totally legal, has been for a few years, and is readily available at your local cooler-than-average liquor store! Recently I was in Red Carpet Wines in Glendale, Ca and came across all these really amazing bottles. I felt like I was being transported back into another era. The history of absinthe is actually as fascinating as these labels. Take a look!
I better not catch one of my cats EVER doing this!!!!
Absinthe is commonly referred to in historical literature as “la fée verte” which means the Green Fairy (it is most commonly pale green). Technically it is a highly alcoholic distilled spirit (45%–74% ABV) which originated in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland. Guess that’s one way to figure out how to stay warm during those cold Swiss nights!
Here comes the cool part: absinthe became very popular in the 19th and early 20th century especially amongst the bohemian culture. Opposed by Social Conservatives it’s fan club included Modigliani, Toulouse -Lautrec, van Gogh and Oscar Wilde.
I’m pretty sure the Adams Family must have loved this drink although it does not contain Eye of Newt it does derive it’s name from the Greek word for Wormwood which was used as a bit of a cure-all. In the 1840s absinthe was given to French troops as a malaria treatment and when the troops returned home, they brought their taste for absinthe with them.
It became so popular in bars, bistros, cafés, and cabarets that, by the 1860s, the hour of 5 p.m. was called l’heure verte (“the green hour”).
Check out the ingredients on this bottle – star anise, mint, wormwood, fennel, tarragon, Hyssop – what???!!!! Wow! make mine a double!
Absinthe has been portrayed as a dangerously addictive psychoactive drug but was at last vilified as no evidence showed it was more dangerous than any other spirit. Hello Tequila???
In the 1990’s the European Union began to reauthorize its sale and now there are over 200 different brands being produced, notably in France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and even the United States.
And if you do decide to try a glass there is a little “ceremony” to it (which I think only increases it’s drama!).
More on this elusive and seductive spirit ……….
