Getting back to our occasional focus on spirits, we now take a look at absinthe, an anise-flavored spirit derived from botanicals, together with green anise, sweet fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs. Absinthe traditionally has a natural green color and is commonly referred to in historical literature as “la fée verte” (the green fairy).

Absinthe originated in the canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland in the late 18th century. It became quite popular as an alcoholic drink in the late 1800s and early 1900s in France, particularly among Parisian artists and writers. Owing in part to its association with bohemian culture, the consumption of absinthe was opposed by social conservatives and prohibitionists.

Often portrayed as a dangerously addictive psychoactive drug and hallucinogen, due to the chemical compound thujone, there is only a trace amount in the spirit. By 1915, absinthe had been banned in the United States and in much of Europe, including France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria-Hungary. A revival of absinthe began in the 1990s, following the adoption of modern European Union food and beverage laws that removed longstanding barriers to its production and sale.

Join us as we talk with Ted Breaux about absinthe, and his successful effort to bring back a drink from La Belle Époque.

For more info:

The Jade Liqueurs: Jade Liqueurs.com

The Wormwood Society: Wormwood Society.org

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies – Your Business List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Show #424

(55:35 min 53.4 MB)