To some layman the term green conjures up images of green meadows, gushing streams of crystal clear water, clean unpolluted air and dense forests. But for the true lovers of fine liquor the phrase green connotes a different sort of meaning. Connoisseurs of liquor associate the phrase green to the legendary alcoholic drink absinthe. Absinthe liquor was the most famous drink of nineteenth century Europe. It was also affectionately called as the Green fairy by faithful devotees.
The French latched onto this liquor and soon it rivaled wine in popularity. Even today people display an amazing affection to this anise-flavored drink. The aura that absinthe liquor has, besides the flavor, can be due to the historical past and the elaborate ceremonial ritual that should be followed while drinking it. Absinthe has a bitter taste that can be attributed to its basic ingredients including 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 day-to-day drink like whisky. It is a drink with illustrious history and culture behind it. Absinthe had become very popular in France and Europe that wine makers were concerned with their business prospects. This intense competition led wine makers to spread rumours and stories about the harmful effects of absinthe. A few of the unsubstantiated claims made during that time resulted in most countries banning absinthe.
However, by the start of the twenty-first century most countries in the European Union began lifting the unfounded ban on absinthe. Today, absinthe has stopped being disallowed 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 used in the making of absinthe. Wormwood contains a chemical called thujone which is a brain stimulant. The permissible amount of thujone in absinthe in the US is 10 mg and 35 mg in Europe.
Absinthe has high alcohol content and it should not be consumed in excess; three portions of absinthe is adequate to feel the absinthe effect. The effect is pleasant and you feel slightly inebriated but there’s a feeling of lucidity that your mind experiences. The shades around you seem brighter than they usually do, you can see, smell, and taste far better. Your feeling of perception is increased and in many cases everyday chores seem to give you a new experience. This property of absinthe was answerable for its immense popularity with artists. Many an excellent painters like Vincent Van Gogh and Pablo Picasso were avid buyers of absinthe and attributed their creative genius to its outstanding effects.
Thankfully, most Europeans have access to absinthe. US citizens are now able to buy absinthe on the web from non-US producers. US citizens could also order genuine absinthe kits and prepare their own individual absinthe liquor by following the basic instructions that come along with the kit. For more information on absinthe kits and other absinthe products visit absinthekit.com.