Comments on: The Quick 10: 10 Absinthe Drinkers

By: The Absinthe Review Network

The Absinthe Review Network — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:44:56 +0000

Apparently I missed a few bases in my first post, as someone posted DIRECTLY after mine with a false testimony about “tripping” from absinthe, which is impossible. YOU CANNOT HALLUCINATE OR OTHERWISE “TRIP” FROM ABSINTHE. Period. Don’t believe me? Look up the medicinal properties of the flavouring herbs and you’ll see there’s nothing that could possible make you trip. In fact, you’ve probably eaten many of the herbs in food!

It also seems like people are under the impression that Czech absinth (which is really only imitation absinthe) is somehow more powerful or the “real” stuff. Most Czech brands are macerated wormwood vodka, not absinthe. There’s no secret, Czech-only ingredient in their brands that makes it more potent. In fact, Czech brands are MISSING key ingredients. This notion that Czech absinthe is more intense is purely marketing BS. As someone who’s tried them firsthand, I can personally attest to this fact.

Obviously, I can’t keep checking back here indefinitely, but if anyone has any questions, feel free to contact me, and I’d be glad to help:

mailbox(at)absinthe-review(dot)net

By: Peter Grffin

Peter Grffin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:54:08 +0000

I f**n love this stuff!!!

By: ashleyrobin

ashleyrobin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:15:53 +0000

@ Bert and Gizank….I didn’t realize that Czech absinthes had such a bad reputation until I read your posts and wormwoodsociety.org. I think I may be inclined to agree w/ Bert, absent any scientific proof that properties in “real” absinthe make it hallucinogenic. Based on my objective (read sober) observations of the 2 “subjects” and pretty good (read ad nauseum) knowledge of their “typical” drinking behaviors, an adverse reaction of some sort would be a reasonable explanation of their experiences. Based on their experiences vs. mine (regulated/non Czech absinthe, only a “mellow” buzz) I am inclined to think that an adulterant might be responsible for their “unusual” experience.
There is a great chemistry experiment here if someone is willing to perform it. Based on anecdotal evidence (mine, others related to me, and those on this thread) I think that some Czech absinthes have an adulterant (intentional or not) to which some people are especially sensitive. Now if I only had the time, and the lab to explore…Please, someone who needs a thesis, explore!
Even better…reCaptcha is “finishes people”! Oh, and please induct me into the “unnecessary quotes” Hall of Fame immediately :-)

By: erak

erak — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:32:21 +0000

Had a glass of some stuff from the Czech Republic. Since it was only one, I can’t say I had any hallucinations or anything of the likes. However, it was enough to put me on the border between buzzed and drunk (and I’m a guy who can hold his drink pretty well). The craziest part was I still had complete motor control, something regular booze can’t provide.

As for the stuff that’s available in the US, it’s overpriced and smells like bug spray. If you like the taste, save a ton of cash and get a bottle of Ouzo instead.

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:16:01 +0000

I had some that was shipped from Germany at a friends’ house. I had to throw an extra lump of sugar in it, as I despise anise. It gave me a very pleasant buzz, much nicer than being drunk. I just had a shot, made with the fancy glass & silver strainer thingy you pour the stuff over.

By: hidden sunshine

hidden sunshine — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:44:47 +0000

I went to a party with one of my friends a couple weeks ago. Well, one of my friend’s cousins had a bottle of smuggled in Absinthe and she thought it would be fun to take a couple shots. well, she ended up making out with an Orlando Bloom poster all night long. I didn’t take a shot because I didn’t want to know what I’d end up doing.

By: MiraDawl

MiraDawl — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:40:56 +0000

My first drink after landing in New Orleans for the first time was Absinthe in the French Quarter. Served with ice cold water and sugar, yes, lit aflame and maybe unnecessary, I know, but tasty and powerful nonetheless. The color and taste of the drink, mixed an infrequent feeling of unknown bearings made for a blissful start to my vacation. The Quarter’s gas lamps seemed to dance and glow with more awe that night. To each is own, I guess. But it was more memorable than random beer or standard mixed drinkie.

By: Tavolini

Tavolini — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:38:01 +0000

ugh…it’s really strong. Feels like its burning your mouth and esophagus. I almost threw up, and didn’t hallucinate or anything.

Fascinating article, though!

By: Dan the Music Master

Dan the Music Master — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:51:21 +0000

I did find the list of celebrities and their favorite drinks rather interesting.

By: Corbet

Corbet — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:35:14 +0000

Absinthe was the first alcohol I ever had, and it was while in Eastern Europe. It was an interesting way to start drinking. If I remember correctly, it tastes a little like Jagermeister (that black licorice flavor), which I know many people don’t like… but it’s yummy to me. Granted the drink I had was something around 180 proof, so it didn’t take much to do me in.