The Spiritual Guide

Absinthe
ABV 60% +
Produced Czech Republic, France
Brand Name(s) Hills, Trenet

General
Surely the king of spirits - mainly because of the reputation it has. Famous 'users' of this drink include Hemmingway and Van Gogh. Absinthe is very strong. For example Hill's Absinthe which is the subject of the following review is 70% abv. Extremely popular in mainland Europe amongst the artistic and intelligentsia during the late 19th and early 20th century; this pale green tincture is supposed to be drank with water and caramelized sugar (the sugar being burnt in a few drops of Absinthe before mixing with a special perforated absinthe spoon ). The preparation and drinking of absinthe is something of a ritual.

One of the trace ingredients is extract of the wormwood tree which is supposed to have a hallucinogenic effect. Indeed the popularity of this drink in certain circles was because it was said to expand the mind. However I suspect the alcohol in this drink would shut your mind down before it had a chance to expand !

Absinthe is banned now in most countries of the world except for Portugal, the Czech Republic and U.K. & Ireland.  I bought it at £40 a bottle from here on the web and I have seen it for sale in bars in Belfast (The Morning Star and The Basement).

Pernod is supposed to be a variant on absinthe which has the dubious ingredients removed.


Review of Hill's Absinth
Hill's is said to not be a true French absinthe but what is called a bohemian absinthe. Anyhow, to say that taking a drink of this is an experience is an understatement. I tried it straight at first - it practically evaporates in your mouth. It is quite bitter to taste but after a few sips it does have a certain something that is strangely "more-ish". Because of  its strength  (70%) I can't recommend regular consumption of this stuff straight as it would play merry hell with your throat and stomach. The drink becomes a good deal more palatable with water and sugar but personally I would say this is an acquired taste.

Despite this it's definitely worth a try if you can get hold of it.

After drinking this I did not hallucinate; but then I have only ever taken 2 shots at any one time. Perhaps if you are a regular absinthe drinker it would affect you in the long term. After all;  Hemmingway and Van Gogh weren't exactly sane !

Review of Trenet Absinthe
I prefer this version to Hill's. It is weaker at 60% but still packs a punch. There seems to be more flavours in this one and there is a hint of aniseed there which reveals Pernod's origins. Perhaps the lower strength allows the flavours to come out more as adding water to a good malt whiskey does. To be fair though , I  have only tried this after a fair amount of Guinness so perhaps my palate wasn't what it should be.


Hill's
Novelty        on looks and reputation this gets full marks.
Taste                     an acquired taste which may grow on you.
Kick   at 70% abv; Hill's Absinthe is to vodka; what vodka is to wine in strength

Trenet
Novelty   scores the same as Hill's
Taste                far more palatable than Hill's
Kick    still has the strength that requires respect

Last updated 20th April, 2000

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