Thujones are monoterpenes and ketones present in wormwood. Thujone is capable to act within the GABA receptors of the brain and, when consumed in copious amounts absinthekit, is alleged to have a psycho active response triggering convulsions as well as muscle spasms. Thujone is likewise toxic and is considered to injure the cells of both the liver as well as brain.
Previously it was believed that thujone was similar to THC in cannabis and that it had become psychoactive and brought on psychedelic effects, this claim has been seen to be false.
It was assumed, in the late nineteenth century and early 20th century, that Absinthe contained large amounts of thujone, approximately 350mg per liter. Tests and studies on classic bottles of Absinthe have dispelled this myth. Pre ban Absinthe only contained no more than 6mg.
Today, you can find laws practically in most countries that manage thujone content in alcohol.
EU law is:-
– up to 5mg/kg is authorized in alcoholic beverages having an ABV, alcohol by volume, of 25% or less.
– up to 10mg/kg of thujone is allowed in alcoholic beverages with an ABV over 25%.
– up to 25mg/kg is allowed in food that contains sage.
– up to 35mg/kg is permitted in alcoholic beverages when they carry the label “bitters”.
US law states that alcoholic beverages should be “thujone free” but this actually means that they must have 10mg/kg or a smaller amount of thujone.
If we purchase commercial Absinthe that conforms with such laws, we know that the Absinthe is made up of 10mg/kg or a smaller amount of thujone.
Alcohol – How Much Does Absinthe Have?
Alcohol content is dependent upon the brand of Absinthe. Listed below are the alcohol contents of a number of well-known brands:-
Lucid Absinthe 62% abv (124 proof)
La Clandestine Absinthe 53% abv (106 proof)
Sebor 55% abv (110 proof)
Pere Kermanns 60% abv (120 proof)
Pernod Absinthe 68% abv (136 proof0
Mari Mayans Collectors 70 70% abv (140 proof)
La Fee XS Absinthe Suisse 53% abv (106 proof)
La Fee XS Absinthe Francaise 68% abv (136 proof)
La Fee Bohemian 70% abv (140 proof)
La Fee Parisian 68% abv (136 proof)
Kubler 53 53% abv (106 proof)
Doubs Mystique Carte D’Or 65% abv (130 proof)
Roquette 1797 75% abv (150 proof)
Jade PF 1901 68% abv (136 proof)
Jade Edouard 72% abv (144 proof)
Jade Verte Suisse 65% abv (130 proof)
As you can see, Absinthe is a very strong liquor, specially when we review it to fermented beverages like beer that has an abv of 4 or 5% or table wine which is 9-12%.
How about homemade Absinthe?
Some Absinthe kits guarantee to produce an Absinthe having a thujone content of 80-90mg. This would have a superior wormwood content and so a relatively bitter flavor. The essences from AbsintheKit.com make an Absinthe having a thujone content of 35mg per 750ml bottle made or, if you use their strong essence, 55mg per bottle.
In terms of homemade kits and alcohol content are concerned, all this depends on what neutral alcohol base you employ. Everclear has a typical abv of 95% whereas Absolut Vodka has an abv of 40%, somewhat a difference.
I hope that this info has clarified the question “How much does Absinthe have?”.