Absinthe the Green Fairy or La Fee Verte
Green Fairy or La Fee Verte Absinthe is equally popular is an alcoholic beverage that rivals wine in its appeal and popularity. Today it is the most famous and controversial drink, however, it was first developed as an elixir or tonic in the 18th century.
The presence of 45 to 75% alcohol in the anise flavored spirit Absinthe makes it very strong. Emerald green color gives it the name “La Fee Verte” in French and “Green /fairy” in English. A distilled liquor, it is made from herbs. Green aniseed , fennel and wormwood are considered the main herbs. The first person to commercially distill Absinthe was Henri-Louis Pernod of the Pernod Absinthe recipe fame, he used herbs such as hyssop, star anise, nutmeg, veronica, dittany, juniper and lemon balm to prepare the recipe. There was a thought that herbs such as wormwood, nutmeg and calamus, which only some manufacturers used, were psychoactive. When water is poured over the sugar on the perforated Absinthe spoon the Absinthe clouds this happens due to the oil extract from the herbs. The oils are not water soluble and so cause the Absinthe to cloud or louche.
Absinthe La Fee Verte or Green Fairy and the Art World
Absinthe’s greatness lies in its association with great writers and painters of the Bohemian culture. The Absinthe admiration society of greats included Pablo Picasso, Van Gogh, Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway and many others. Writers and Artists were convinced that their genius and inspiration came from Absinthe. Absinthe drinkers and Absinthe even featured in the paintings of painters like Van Gogh and Picasso.
Prohibition campaigners wanted an excuse and Absinthe’s association with the Bohemian sect, Moulin Rouge and old Montmartre provided just that. Having linked Absinthe with several family problems and addiction it was easy for campaigners in France to get banned in 1915. Few countries like the Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal and the UK considered it legal while others banned it outright.
Thujone was blamed for the psychedelic effects of drinking the Green Fairy, it is a chemical present in wormwood. Thujone and THC, present in cannabis, were considered similar. Thujone, however is present in very minute quantity as Absinthe mainly contains ethanol and alcohol. After several research studies it is proved that Absinthe is a safe strong liquor and the thujone content is not dangerous but the high alcohol content is. Any number of studies and articles have been written on the subject. Vodka and whisky are no comparison to Absinthe, it is twice as strong as both and so drink in moderation for pleasure.
People enjoyed buying and drinking Absinthe during the prohibition in the Czech Republic, in surroundings decorated by vinatge Absinthe posters absinthe was served in large glasses. Now, in 2008, Absinthe is legal in many countries although thujone levels are controlled in the EU and the United States only allows Absinthe with trace amounts of thujone to be bought and sold.
Visit AbsintheKit to buy absinthe bottle or absinthe essence online.com) to make your own Two names describe Absinthe “Green Fairy” or “La Fee Verte” to bottle at home. Absinthes produced for the US market do not contain thujone, however, the real Absinthe and Absinthe essences certainly contain wormwood.
Absinthe or La Fee Verte cocktails can use this spirit to prepare a fantastic drink – just mix this delicious spirit with champagne! Just for your Knowledge Asinthe kit is the best way to get economical Absinthe.
