anyone use absinthe?

[caseball2051]

Going to dabble in absinthe when I head back to school in a few weeks. I am not trying to import anything yet and I am going to stick with the cheaper stuff thats readily available in the US. I have done some reasearch and have found the brand I would like to try called Pacifique.

http://www.wormwoodsociety.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

anyone got any recommendations? is it similiar to being high with MJ?

 

[lepstadder]

if you try stuff available in the US it will not contain thujone

 

[indigal]

You may want to do a little reading before getting your hopes up.. Absinthe will not get you high.. just drunk!

I've had about dozen (seriously, not a cheap interest to have) diff varieties, imports, one non-import- Lucid, compares pretty well to the better absinthes. I drink it because I love the flavor and sipping it on a hot day is nice. Check out these links:

This one is great for all sort of info & especially reviews.. I linked to the page about the myth of absinthe. If you google a little you prob can find much more info than you ever wanted to know about the history, testing the old bottles, and the myth:
http://www.feeverte.net/absinthe-muse.html

I also just noted the Woormwood Society link you have in the sig.. they are also great for education, first & foremost on their FAQ page:
http://www.wormwoodsociety.org/inde...k=view&id=184&Itemid=137&limit=1&limitstart=1

and here too:
http://www.wormwoodsociety.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=104&Itemid=184

This is where I buy the majority of my absinthes, can't recommend them enough. They ship quick & package well, and they carry really good stuff!.. Looking on the site again, I've forgotten just how many I've purchased over the years..
The Jades (1901 is my fav, so far) have been the best IMO, but UnEmile is good too- esp White Fairy: http://www.absintheonline.com/acatalog/Absinthe.html

Get a bottle, see if you like the flavor & go from there. Some people do not like the taste.. but don't spend the money in hopes of getting a legal high.

Here is a list of the bottles I've purchased & drank.. If any catch your eye, I'm happy to give you my opinions on them.


Lucid domestic, hate the label art, looks cheap. The drink inside is good though.
Un Emile 68 absinthe
Un Emile 68 La Blanche absinthe
Un Emile 68 Sapin absinthe
White Fairy absinthe
Jade Edouard absinthe
Jade PF 1901 absinthe
Jade VS 1898 absinthe (forgot this one, used to be called Verte Suisse)
Jade Nouvelle-Orlans absinthe
Eichelberger 68 Absinthe Verte
Verte de Fougerolles
Blanche de Fougerolles
Blanche Traditionelle Absinthe "Brut d'Alambic" (essai 3)


Pacifique sounds tasty too, if I ever see it- I'd get it. Reviews look good.

 

[toxicc]

I also have imported a few different brands of absinthe, and i would compare the difference in effects between vodka and absinthe similar to the difference between vodka and beer. There is a subtle difference in effects with beer due to hops herb in it, similar to with absinthe being wormwood and some other herbs that produce a subtle difference compared to pure alcohol.

 

[toxicc]

By the way, here's my signature pic in higher size: http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/3194/render3.jpg

It's a 3d scene i was modeling for fun 2 years ago, but didn't finish it. I'll have to get back working on it someday and produce something great.

This pic has a better view on the bottle of absinthe: http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/1966/absinthe4.jpg

 

[indigal]

I also have imported a few different brands of absinthe, and i would compare the difference in effects between vodka and absinthe similar to the difference between vodka and beer. There is a subtle difference in effects with beer due to hops herb in it, similar to with absinthe being wormwood and some other herbs that produce a subtle difference compared to pure alcohol.

I've compared it similarly, using red wine and bourbon as the examples.. Or red wine to gin.. Very subtly different buzz, but still an alcohol buzz. It's really about the flavor though, at least to me. What ones have you tried?

 

[lepstadder]

try and get some that has a listed thujone content in either ppm or mg per liter or ounce or whatever

or you can make your own through maceration using already prepared spirits

the stuff from other countries is distilled not macerated but it is comparable in thujone content

often "absithne" made through maceration can have a higher thujone content

so be careful

and repeated use of thujone can cause brain problems

 

[flouris]

As of a few years ago absinthe (the real stuff) is legal in the US and is sold in many liquor stores. I personally find the Jade brand of absinthes to be the best, though they are distrubted via France only but ship to the US - the guy who makes them is a total absinthe genius and has basically replicated the original Pernod Fils recipe for his PF1901 absinthe, the most godly drink I've ever consumed. The price tag is hefty but worth it if you want a true absinthe experience.

Also, correct - no "high" or trip or whatever from it though some people do tend to get a secondary effect, myself included, that basically consists of an odd lucidity/dreaminess to the drunken state of mind. Thujone content really has no importance as the toxicity level far exceeds the narcotic threshold - you'll reach comatose before you feel any effects from thujone. Wormwood is merely used as a bittering agent -- too much wormwood results in bad product. The original absinthes weren't very high in thujone content btw.

 

[indigal]

As of a few years ago absinthe (the real stuff) is legal in the US and is sold in many liquor stores. I personally find the Jade brand of absinthes to be the best, though they are distrubted via France only but ship to the US - the guy who makes them is a total absinthe genius and has basically replicated the original Pernod Fils recipe for his PF1901 absinthe, the most godly drink I've ever consumed. The price tag is hefty but worth it if you want a true absinthe experience.

Also, correct - no "high" or trip or whatever from it though some people do tend to get a secondary effect, myself included, that basically consists of an odd lucidity/dreaminess to the drunken state of mind. Thujone content really has no importance as the toxicity level far exceeds the narcotic threshold - you'll reach comatose before you feel any effects from thujone. Wormwood is merely used as a bittering agent -- too much wormwood results in bad product. The original absinthes weren't very high in thujone content btw.

Fantastic! Another aficionado of absinthe..
& yes, I have noticed the slight brightening effect after a few.
I caught some posts on another thread that you work in fragrances, so I know you'd understand this.. If you'd like to try a slightly different style of absinthe, try a bottle of the Eichelberger 68 Absinthe Verte it has a unique citrus/bitter orange peel hint to it, not bad at all. If you like pine/retsina wine- Un Emile 68 Sapin is wonderful for something unique.

*none will compare to the 1901. That is the best in my experience as well.

 

[flouris]

I've had Un Emilie 68 but not the Sapin - how do the two compare? Never had Eichelberger either! I had tried quite a few brands up until around 2003 or 2004, which seems to be when absinthe really surged in popularity and tons of different absinthes sprouted up seemingly overnight(!). Some of my favorites are Le Bleu (pre legalization), Serpis 65 (the red stuff), and St George (another US brand, available in many liquor stores here, that is of a very high quality and unlikely to disappoint anyone) - also got a soft spot for stuff like Deva 70 and N.S. 70.. but for the last few years I've stuck almost soley to Jade/Lucid.

All this talk is making me want to pour a glass!

 

[steiner666]

Ive always had the interest but never the opportunity to try absinthe. I figured the hallucinogenic properties of it were a bit exaggerated in the films and stories, but from what I'm reading here, its almost completely false? It's pretty much just like getting drunk? Disappointing.

 

[flouris]

Not disappointing at all, at least not for me. Nobody I know drinks absinthe just to get drunk (there are far less expensive ways to do that) and trying all the different types from various countries can be a great hobby, the various flavors and unique recipes and tracking down rare bottles/brands from obscure areas. I don't know, to me it's fun. I can see how it wouldn't be fun for others.

As for the hallucinogenic properties, no. At least, not like how movies and literature would have you believe. Absinthe was used as a scapegoat for many things in the early 1900's and now, with a better understanding of what thujone actually does in such small amounts, it has been legalized again virtually everywhere - including the US. With that said, since absinthe has existed it has been the muse for many poets/artists/musicians and some searching around on Google will show that a good number of people who drink absinthe say that it has a unique feeling to the intoxication that is lucid/sedating.. I can't explain it but myself and many others experience this each and every time. Is there any evidence to support this? No. Could it all be mass placebo that has existed in absinthe drinkers since the late 1800's? Possibly. All I know is that feeling is there each and every time I have a glass or two of it - and even if it wasn't I'd still drink absinthe because I truly enjoy the flavor of anisette liqueurs, which is kind of funny since I used to hate it. Always threw my black jellybeans out as a kid - now they're the first ones I go for!

 

[indigal]

I've had Un Emilie 68 but not the Sapin - how do the two compare? Never had Eichelberger either! I had tried quite a few brands up until around 2003 or 2004, which seems to be when absinthe really surged in popularity and tons of different absinthes sprouted up seemingly overnight(!). Some of my favorites are Le Bleu (pre legalization), Serpis 65 (the red stuff), and St George (another US brand, available in many liquor stores here, that is of a very high quality and unlikely to disappoint anyone) - also got a soft spot for stuff like Deva 70 and N.S. 70.. but for the last few years I've stuck almost soley to Jade/Lucid.

All this talk is making me want to pour a glass!

I did pour a few of the 1901 yesterday.. last bottle I have left, always the way- the one you love the most- you pour the least!

Un Emile- being good & all, the Sapin, is just like drinking retsina wine with absinthe, try a good bottle of retsina first.. it's a white wine, aged in casks sealed with pine resin. You love it or hate it- I love it. Sapin has a definite piney flavor. Very unique, not overwhelming though, still has a good balance of anise & fennel & herbs. I had a similar introduction, got into it years before it became "in" and have dealt with the "oh, can I have a glass of THAT since it will make me trip" ever since . I like good drink, and absinthe is just another high on the list for me..

Never tried the red stuff. Just didn't like the color. Is it good in the traditional flavor-wise? I like Lucid, but really hate the label.. Though Pacifique sounds good, but seems limited to CA & Chicago markets per the distributors list.

 

[momofthegoons]

indigal, retsina is one more thing we have in common! In fact, I posted in the Zap thread verbatim the same remark, "you either love it or hate it." So funny. So, I'm thinking I'd probably like absinthe! Being anise flavored, does it have a similar taste to Ouzo?

 

[indigal]

Ive always had the interest but never the opportunity to try absinthe. I figured the hallucinogenic properties of it were a bit exaggerated in the films and stories, but from what I'm reading here, its almost completely false? It's pretty much just like getting drunk? Disappointing.

You will not get any hallucinogenic effects- that was the blame game, alcoholism, society issues, crimes & DTs, .. There is a very slight (for me) brightening effect to the "drunk" of absinthe. Just like red wine goes to my head before vodka or bourbon, absinthe has it's own unique buzz.. but it's not a drug-effect, never was.. the old bottles (found, tested & reproduced to one degree or another, never had high levels of thujone) there's just so much mis-information out there it's almost like the anti-MJ propaganda "Reefer Madness" films.

There's so much history on this one drink, it's worth a read or two.

 

[indigal]

indigal, retsina is one more thing we have in common! In fact, I posted in the Zap thread verbatim the same remark, "you either love it or hate it." So funny. So, I'm thinking I'd probably like absinthe! Being anise flavored, does it have a similar taste to Ouzo?

Yes, but it's more complex & herbal, no sugar.
I think you'd love it!

Seriously, if you treat yourself- try a bottle of the Lucid. If you like it- go for Jade PF1901. It is VERY good- or any of the Jades. I like http://www.absintheonline.com/ for ordering... In fact, I've been green-lighted for ordering some more, and will be adding the Violet Liqueur to the order and maybe the Tabac.

http://www.drinklucid.com/

A very approachable absinthe is White Fairy, very clean, very nice.. I like it in addition to the Jades. It's good.

*edit:

Grr. was planning on ordering & reviewing some new stuff.. Violet is out as well as the Triple Sec. I'm waiting...

 

[momofthegoons]

Thanks indigal! I think I might just have to check into placing an order tonight.

Edit: How does this compare to Pernod?

 

[indigal]

There's Pernod the liquer, sweet. Liquer-sweet.. not my thing, but I don't like Chartruse or any of those super-sweet liquers. I'll add some simple syrup if I need too. Love a bottle of Chambord though
Then there's Pernod Absinthe, pretty good so I've heard, but not as complex as the Jade's (not tried it, just based on reading) if I saw the Pernod Absinthe I'd get it to compare..

*edit: remember absinthe is a distilled spirit, very little residual sugars, but the anise gives it a sweetness.

 

[flouris]

Pernod is a little lighter, a little sweeter. When it comes to pastis, I really love Ricard. It has the perfect anise flavor, has an incredible yellow/orange milky louche, and is only about 20-25$ per bottle.

Also, Pernod now makes absinthe (again) so try to take a close look at the label at the store to see if you are buying the absinthe or the pastis version.

 

[rubbersoul]

a friend of mine ordered some la fee absinthe online back when it was still illegal here in the states. i really enjoyed the drink when mixed with sugar & water. it tasted delicious, and the drunk felt different than usual. very enjoyable.

what absinthes do you recommend that are readily available for purchase (not online) in the states? i had some absinthe that a friend brought back from spain once, and it was wretched stuff. i don't want to get something that is crap

 

[mattybass]

My local healthfood store in Canada sells dried "Wormwood Absinthe" (as it's named on the package). This was back before I started smoking pot and was in search of a legal high... I ended up smoking a joint of this once and I feel that I got the slight visuals associated with drinking real absinthe... everything became visually more "clear"... in my washroom, I felt as if I was in a dollhouse for a split second as everything seemed almost plastic-y and fake. On a little walk at twilight, I walked to the corner store with my bro and noticed the neon lights were WAY more vivid than normal. And I was a bit giggly, but maybe that was just placebo. I have a really small body so whether larger quantities would be required for someone over 5'8", I don't know.

But, make sure you read up on Thujone at Erowid first because it actually is quite toxic.

 

[darkrom]

I got some lucid and I liked it. I really don't like getting "drunk" necessarily. I like to just keep a good mellow buzz. After that the effects of alcohol just seem sloppy to me. Absinthe for me is great because I can sip on a glass of it during the first half of a movie (at home, drunk drivers are dicks!) and just feel a nice mellow buzz throughout the whole thing. It's different than alcohol, but not very. Just much more happy and mellow. No one should be drinking absinthe to get trashed lol.

I'm all out of Lucid. Anyone ever try the ridiculously commercial Mansinthe? It's Marilyn Manson's own brand. I know its so nontraditional, but I wanna try it just because sometime.

 

[greystr0ke]

I saw it at the liquor store last weekend and was gonna either pick up a bottle of it or Lucid but opted for tequila instead.

With the Lucid, are you guys using the sugar cube and water or just drinking it straight?

 

[indigal]

I saw it at the liquor store last weekend and was gonna either pick up a bottle of it or Lucid but opted for tequila instead.

With the Lucid, are you guys using the sugar cube and water or just drinking it straight?

No, it's really not needed- it's got a great flavor on it's own. Though you certainly can try it both ways- depends on your taste. I usually dilute it 3 to 1, or a little more. You can't drink it straight unless you really want to burn from the inside out .

 

[darkrom]

I always use sugar. I don't like the taste but I don't hate it either.

I really like the effects compared to any other alcohol that I've had.