These are much like any other type of alcohol: The use of this drink can cause some initial dangers to a person’s health. Addiction can form from its use and overuse. Some of the research indicates that wormwood, an ingredient in some forms of absinthe, may be the cause of these effects.Īny highly potent alcohol can cause intoxication and chemical dependency, which makes it a high-risk drink for many people. It is possible that auditory and visual hallucinations can occur.
Rather, a study by Columbia University found that thujone, a natural substance found in absinthe, can cause reaction times to slow significantly, making it very difficult to pay attention. Some people still believe it can cause a person to go mad, though this is unlikely. What Are the Impacts?Ībsinthe has a high alcohol content, which means it can cause intoxication quickly. For example, a man drinking it killed his family, and a laborer got so drunk, it caused him to go insane. The loss of appeal of the drink occurred due to a cultural shift, but also because of stories about the use of the drink and illicit behavior. Countries including the Netherlands, Brazil, Belgium and Switzerland banned the drink. They sought to label it a dangerous product. In France, specifically, the era of peace and progress just before World War I had many people pushing against this type of alcohol. It wasn’t until the turn of the 20th century that claims of its risks began to occur. The alcohol was heavily sought after by those who consumed it, and it flourished globally. It didn’t make it to the United States until 1878. During those early years, it developed a strong following throughout Europe, especially in France. It was first produced in Switzerland around 1792. What makes absinthe of specific interest is that it was banned. The Historical Elements of Absinthe Drink At 190 proof, it contains up to 95 percent alcohol. Often called 151 or 190, this is high-concentration grain alcohol produced by Luxco. One example of a brand with a high proof is Everclear. Alcohol proof is twice the percentage of alcohol by volume. What Is High-Proof Alcohol?īy definition, alcohol like the absinthe drink is high-proof because it has a high concentration of alcohol. It is then recondensed in a cooling area, before being diluted to the proper strength. The distillation also causes the herbal oils and alcohol to evaporate, pulling the water and the bitter elements away from the final product. The mixture is distilled, which develops the flavor and allows the thujone to infuse. This component is an essential ingredient in the production of the high potency of this drink. Wormwood, which is a type of plant that contains thujone, is key. Traditionally, the manufacturer soaked wormwood along with a mixture of spices in alcohol. The process of making absinthe is also a key component to what makes it unique and powerful.
Its primary flavor profile is that of anise, with a mild bitterness that tastes good to many people. Other products claim to have an even higher proof.Ībsinthe tastes like black licorice and has an herbal, floral aroma. Various types exist, including those that have an alcohol concentration of 45 percent (90 proof). What Makes Absinthe So Powerful?Ībsinthe is a unique drink produced from distilled grains and green anise along with herbs such as wormwood oil and fennel. In the United States, absinthe was illegal for almost 100 years, although it is now legal again. Absinthe has been around for over 200 years, though it has more modern marketing associated with it. They may cause hallucinations in some people while creating a high level of euphoria in others. Is absinthe that powerful? What is Absinthe?Ībsinthe is what some might call pure grain alcohol with a high proof, or alcohol, content. It’s believed that his use of the product along with his existing psychosis led him to commit suicide. There’s some evidence, according to Scientific American, that Vincent van Gogh had an addiction to absinthe. It’s important to understand what high-proof alcohol is, why it is potentially bad for you and what steps you should take if you’ve consumed it.