So, yeah, we all believed that absinthe was horribly, horribly dangerous, but it turns out that it's not. No more dangerous than overindulgence in any spirit is. According to the New York Times' article on the subject, absinthe (as we all know) contains a particular kind of wormwood, artemisia absinthium, once thought to affect the mind (eating of brain cells, and the like). However...
It’s understood now that hallucinations and other health issues attributed to overindulging in absinthe were more a result of alcohol poisoning due to the high alcohol content, typically 50 to 70 percent. (read full article)
Having had the opportunity to enjoy Absente, the only legal form of absinthe in the States since the ban was imposed in 1912 (it's not really absinthe—only a variation that didn't make the FDA freak out), I am very happy to hear that the myths and legends of genuine absinthe are being dispelled. As much as I may have wanted to indulge in the real deal in the past (not that I really had the opportunity), the 19th Century bedtime stories about the spirit deterred me. I mean, I'm adventurous, but I try not to be stupid.
Following the strong trend in Europe, where absinthe is now enjoyed as any other spirit is and has become quite posh, U.S. based companies started manufacturing and selling genuine absinthe since late 2007. Where was I, and why didn't anyone tell me?
I just chatted with my friend Heather, and she and I have a new mission. There may be places in Portland that serve it, but my first stop is Evangeline up in Longfellow Square. Erik Desjarlais (chef, owner, etc.) was the one who first introduced me to Absente, back when his great restaurant Bandol was rocking Exchange Street.
So much to do, so little time...
2 comments:
So... have you?
I was in New Orleans last week and sampled it myself. Very, very nice. I especially appreciated the ritual: the tall flagon of ice-water, the slotted spoon and the sugar cube.
(Of course, I'm a fan of the anise flavor in its many drink forms -- ouzo, raki, etc. -- so this is just one more beautiful way to self-medicate.)
PS: Found you through Crum the Kid
Well, I sort of did. I went out that night and tried it at Local 188, and it was pretty awesome. Unfortunately, they were out of cubed sugar, so a packet of raw sugar was substituted. I wouldn't call it "partying like it's 1899," ('cause otherwise I would have donned my taffeta bustle dress) but the spirit was there!
Glad you wandered onto my blog! Gotta go check out yours now... :)
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