What is Absinthe
Absinthe, often referred to as “The Green Fairy” is an anise-flavored alcoholic beverage made from amongst other ingredients, artemisia absinthium or “wormwood.” The history of absinthe is long dated and complexed. Absinthe had been enjoyed for centuries before movements began to jeopardize it’s existence. Rumors of it’s psychogenic properties and hallucinogenic potential began, although they were never really proven. Still the association of absinthe being highly addictive and leading to crimes, violence and social disorders, eventually led to a near worldwide ban of the spirit. In a few countries, such as Spain and Portugal, the beverage was legal and held a small following. Famous characters, such as Ernest Hemingway, Oscar Wilde, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and Aleister Crowley were absinthe drinkers and helped keep the culture alive. With the formation of the European Union, Absinthe finally started to become legal again and in 2007 the Alcohol and Tobacco Trade and Trade Bureau restrictions were finally relaxed and Absinthe was re-introduced in the United States. Absinthe is finally available again and we are free to sip the lovely green potion while being amongst friends but believing we are really expatriates in our own local pubs.