drinking: super absinthe
January 18, 2007 by Cash
I’ve always been fascinated by absinthe.
The tales of its muse-like quality in the 18th century, people’s descent into madness under its neon green spell, and the description of its intoxicating effects being almost narcotic in their power have me hooked. After all, even consummate genius and super witty wordsmith Oscar Wilde sang its praises.
I’ve yet to actually try the stuff. The main reason? Although you can find “Absinthe” on your liquor store’s shelf, it’s not the real deal. US laws forbid the sale of REAL Absinthe because of the allegedly toxic effects of wormwood, which, coincidentally is the exact ingredient that brings about the charming symptoms described above.
Luckily, our European brethern are not so puritanical in their legislature, and these here internets have given us a chance to sample the good stuff. For a price.
The always booze-tastic Drunkard.com has a diary entry of sorts, outlining one man’s experience with the green fairy.
It’s worth a read.
Fourth glass. My neck is tingling. Not your usual drunk feeling. I’m getting buzzed, but feeling very fine and sharp. Am browsing Hem’s very fine short story “Hills Like White Elephants.” Does anyone speak with that manner of whip-crack repartee anymore?
Read the whole article at Drunkard.com here
You might find this Wired article about reverse engineering absinthe recipes.
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.11/absinthe.html
Marc
Thanks for the link MarcJ.
I remember reading that article awhile ago. I think the New Orleans recipe they talk about is available for order from France, and is significantly cheaper than the $200 bottle of Van Gogh talked about here.
It’s a good reminder!
On a side note, I was listening to some Neil Strauss (Style)interview today where he talked about doing the full “Absinthe Ritual” (complete with burning sugar, an absinthe spoon and cold water) when he’d bring girls back to his place after the clubs or whatever.
Now I really need to get a bottle to keep onhand
Now that is a damn good idea.
A Descent Into Absinthe…
We had our own little run-in with absinthe last year, and it put our tails between our legs. We didn’t include a lot of details of what we went through or how we felt, but we did offer you a……
Make sure you try REAL absinthe! From Switzerland (its birthplace) or France and NOT from the Czech Republic. When you get it, serve it correctly too. More details, if needed, on my blog!