Absinthe History and Culture

Absinthe is a highly alcoholic distilled spirit with a unique and colorful history. The drink's origins date back to Switzerland in the late 18th century, where it was created as a medicinal elixir. However, it was in France where absinthe gained its reputation as the "Green Fairy" and became a symbol of bohemian culture and artistic inspiration. Today, absinthe is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with artisanal distilleries producing high-quality versions of the drink.

Absinthe History

Absinthe's history is rich and varied. It was created by a French doctor, Pierre Ordinaire, in the late 18th century as a cure for various ailments. The drink's popularity quickly spread, and it soon became a favorite of artists and writers in France. Its association with bohemian culture and supposed hallucinogenic effects led to its ban in several countries, including France, where it was outlawed in 1915. However, the drink's cultural significance and historical value led to the lifting of the ban in many countries in recent years.

Famous Absinthe Drinkers

Absinthe has been enjoyed by many famous artists and writers throughout history, including Vincent van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, Edgar Degas, and Pablo Picasso. Van Gogh famously painted "Café Terrace at Night" while under the influence of absinthe, while Oscar Wilde referred to the drink as "the green fairy" in his writing.

Absinthe Prohibition

Absinthe's reputation as a mind-altering substance led to its prohibition in several countries, including France, where it was banned in 1915. The ban was partially due to concerns over the drink's high alcohol content and the presence of thujone, a chemical found in wormwood, one of the drink's primary ingredients. However, the ban was also fueled by a moral panic over absinthe's supposed hallucinogenic effects.

Absinthe Law Reform

In recent years, many countries have lifted their bans on absinthe, citing the drink's historical and cultural significance. The French government lifted the prohibition on absinthe in 2011, and the United States followed suit in 2007. Today, absinthe is produced using traditional techniques and ingredients, with wormwood regulated to ensure safe levels of thujone.

Modern Day Absinthe Culture Resurgence

Absinthe's resurgence in popularity is relatively recent, with a growing number of artisanal distilleries producing high-quality versions of the drink. Modern absinthe is made using traditional techniques and ingredients, with a focus on quality and flavor. The drink is appreciated for its unique taste and cultural significance, and is enjoyed by a new generation of enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Absinthe's history is long and colorful, and its association with famous artists and writers has helped create a rich cultural legacy. Despite its previous ban in many countries, absinthe remains a unique and intriguing drink appreciated for its flavor and cultural significance. Today, the drink is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with a growing number of artisanal distilleries producing high-quality versions of the drink.

References:

• Adams, S. (2018). The Return of Absinthe. Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.winemag.com/2018/07/02/the-return-of-absinthe/
• The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2018). Absinthe. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/absinthe
• Gordon, I. (2014). The Green Fairy: Absinthe's Iconic History. National Geographic. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture