Absente

Liqueur aux plantes D Absinthe

Absinthe is a highly alcoholic beverage derived from distillation of various herbs, including the flowers and leaves of Artemisia absinthium (grand wormwood), together with green anise, sweet fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs. Originating in the 18th century in Switzerland, absinthe rose to major popularity in late 19th- and early 20th-century France, particularly among Parisian artists and writers. Its consumption was opposed by social conservatives and prohibitionists, partly due to its association with bohemian culture, and it was subject to numerous controversies and myths regarding its safety.

History[edit | edit source]

Absinthe's origins can be traced back to the late 18th century in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel. It was initially developed as an elixir, but it gained widespread popularity in France during the 19th century, especially among the artistic and literary elites. Famous figures such as Vincent van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, and Ernest Hemingway were known absinthe drinkers, which contributed to the drink's mystique but also its controversial reputation.

Production[edit | edit source]

The traditional method of absinthe production involves macerating wormwood, anise, fennel, and other herbs in alcohol, and then distilling the mixture. The resulting liquid is a highly potent spirit that is typically diluted with water before consumption. The addition of water causes absinthe to become cloudy, a phenomenon known as the louche effect. Some modern producers use a cold mix process, but purists argue that true absinthe must be distilled.

Effects and Controversy[edit | edit source]

Absinthe was believed to cause a range of effects, from euphoria to hallucinations, attributed to the compound thujone found in wormwood. However, contemporary research has shown that the psychoactive effects of absinthe were exaggerated, with its high alcohol content being the primary cause of any intoxicating effects. Despite this, absinthe was banned in many countries in the early 20th century, a prohibition that lasted until the 1990s in some regions when it experienced a revival after countries began to lift their bans.

Legal Status[edit | edit source]

The legal status of absinthe has changed significantly over time. After being banned in the United States and much of Europe in the early 1900s, it was re-legalized in the European Union in 1988 under regulations that limited thujone content. The United States followed suit in 2007, approving the sale of absinthe with thujone content up to 10 ppm.

Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]

Absinthe has had a significant impact on art, literature, and popular culture, symbolizing both decadence and creativity. It has been featured in the works of many artists and writers, who often associated it with inspiration and madness. The "Green Fairy," as absinthe is sometimes known, continues to fascinate and inspire a new generation of enthusiasts.

Absente Resources
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