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de Corbin
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Sooo... has anybody actually TRIED Absinthe?
Absinthe - The famous drink of the 1800's with the evil reputation for driving artists insane.
It's been illegal here in the U.S. since 1915, and also in most of Europe, because it was believed to have mentally debilitating psychoactive properties (i.e.- it was a naughty drug).
It's always been legal in Spain (where they don't have more insanity amongst artists than elsewhere), in Switzerland it was made illegally (I don't recall hearing any reports of an overabundance of insane Swiss artists), and now it's making a comeback in Europe and the U.S. (OK, so there are a lot of crazies here...).
Turns out it's no worse for you than any other high proof alcohol. You can decide how bad that is  ).
The bootleggers in Switzerland now make it legally, it's being made again in France where is was once so famous, and the genuine stuff can be imported into the U.S. legally, although it can't be made or sold here (there is a version, called "Versinthe," but it's not the real deal).
It's extremely expensive, especially when it has to be imported, but I'm going to give it a go as soon as I can get the cash together - just as an experiment, you know...
Has anybody ever tried it?
If so, what's it like, and what would be a decent brand?
I understand the Czech stuff is swill...
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11/29/2008, 8:27 pm
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TexasMadness
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Re: Sooo... has anybody actually TRIED Absinthe?
So you can get imported "real" stuff here? I thought you could only buy the stuff that had a different species of wormwood in it...or maybe it's a different amount? Duh.
My husband claims to have had the "real" stuff without knowing it and it did make him loopy. We've been eying the stuff at the liquor store lately but have been sticking to cheaper stuff. I'll have to see if it's imported or just the domestic stuff.
If you want another really crazy liquor, try Chartreuse. It is made by monks in France (or at least they direct the making of it) and has 130 herbs in it. The green kind is stronger and much better in my opinion. If anything were to make you loopy, I would pick that stuff.
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12/1/2008, 1:05 pm
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de Corbin
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Re: Sooo... has anybody actually TRIED Absinthe?
The law has actually changed lately, and it's still in the process of changing.
Here's what I understand as of now -
It is illegal to make or sell Absinthe in the U.S.
The "Absinthe" being made and sold currently in the U.S. uses, as you said, Southern Wormwood, while genuine Absinthe uses Grand Wormwood. The problem is a compound in the wormwood called thujone. Thujone, in large quantities, is toxic, but it is also common is kitchen spices, like sage and rosemary (maybe?). It's also in Vermouth.
In small amounts, it's safe. in massive quantities, it causes convulsions and, possibly, death.
New here's the problem - some people believe that the thujone is the compound that causes more than alcohol intoxication. However, people who have analyzed vintage Absinthe find very low quantities of thujone.
So there are some people who advertise Absinthe with massive quantities of thujone (the Czech stuff), while others are recreating "classic" Absinthe, of the type used in Parisian cafes.
If there are actually more than alcohol effects (even this is disputed), then it is likely to be the result of the other herbs, or combinations of herbs. so, you pay your money and take your choice.
So... to get back to the U.S. - it can't be made or sold here, it can't be shipped through the mail, but it can be legally bought in Europe (over the Internet), and shipped here by private couriers - which makes it REALLY expensive. Shipping costs more than the product itself. The minimum cost for shipping will cover 1-3 bottles, so it is cheaper to buy it in quantity.
I've seen the U.S. variety in stores - at $40 a bottle. If I'm going to pay $40, I'll just up it another $30 and get the real thing... just once  .
Run a search on Google for "buy Absinthe."
I actually worked briefly on an advertising campaign for an American manufacturer (or distributor - I'm not sure) of Chartreuse. At the company Christmas party that year we drank a lot of Chartreuse because the client was there. I don't remember if it made me loopy or not.
Actually, I don't remember a whole lot. Wife of de Crobin drove home that night, I think.
Jagermeister is pretty interesting, too. There was a rumor going around that it had opium in it, but, of course, that's not true. It is good when very cold - keep it in the freezer  .
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12/1/2008, 8:40 pm
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TexasMadness
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Re: Sooo... has anybody actually TRIED Absinthe?
Hehehe. I've had Chartreuse a few times and every time things get a bit hazy. I rarely have problems remembering a night of drinking but Chartreuese seems to just "hit the spot" 
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12/1/2008, 10:29 pm
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MaevesChild
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Re: Sooo... has anybody actually TRIED Absinthe?
I thought Jagermeister just had deer blood in it.
I've not had Absinthe myself. But then again, I hardly drink at all. The world is weird enough for me without help.
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12/3/2008, 9:20 am
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TexasMadness
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Re: Sooo... has anybody actually TRIED Absinthe?
Oooo...cool! I still haven't been to the liquor store again to see what kinds they have. I know, seriously. It's been what, 10 days since I said I would look next time and I STILL haven't gone. Apparently we are slacking on the drinking...
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12/11/2008, 7:08 pm
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de Corbin
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Re: Sooo... has anybody actually TRIED Absinthe?
I've seen the "Versinthe," which is made with a different wormwood, and I saw one at Meijer the other day - can't remember what it was called, but the label indicated it was "Reminiscent of Absinthe."
Hmmm... I believe that means it's not really Absinthe, but might taste vaguely like it, on a good day .
I'm actually ashamed to admit that I bought the two bottles of the real stuff - they came to about $120 - so... $60 bottles of liquor. I've never paid that much for booze before ($20 for good Tequilla, on occassion), and it's not like I'm rich, but...
well...
Dang it! It's Christmas, or Yule, or whatever, and I want something special...
(My friends and I will probaboly hate it...) 
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12/12/2008, 8:14 am
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TexasMadness
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Re: Sooo... has anybody actually TRIED Absinthe?
Oh, but it's nice to splurge every once in awhile! I think it's perfectly reasonable. Just don't tell me it was awesome stuff or I'm going to have to buy some too!
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12/15/2008, 5:16 pm
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