The Myth of Absinthe

05/26/22 • 50 min

7 Listeners

Absinthe makes you hallucinate and possibly even have a seizure, right? Nope. It's all a part of the myth of absinthe, which is really just a bitter tasting liquor with a bad reputation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Absinthe makes you hallucinate and possibly even have a seizure, right? Nope. It's all a part of the myth of absinthe, which is really just a bitter tasting liquor with a bad reputation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Stuff You Should Know - The Myth of Absinthe

Transcript Summary

In this intriguing episode titled "The Myth of Absinthe," the podcast delves into the fascinating history and misconceptions surrounding this infamous spirit. Explore the rituals and techniques involved in preparing absinthe, including the use of ice-cold water to create the unique cloudy effect. Discover the various methods of preparation and why the fire method is discouraged due to safety and quality concerns. Uncover how absinthe, once associated with artistic rebellion and altered perceptions, gained popularity among Bohemian artists in Europe. Learn about its ban in numerous countries, including the US and France, and the recent lifting of the prohibition. Separate fact from fiction as the podcast debunks the myths surrounding absinthe's hallucinogenic properties. From its invention by Doctor Pierre Ordinaire to its promotion through captivating advertisements, this episode invites you to unravel the captivating history and allure of absinthe.

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:01.439

Welcome to Stuff you Should Know, a production of I Heart Radio. Hey, and welcome to the podcast. I'm Josh, and there's Chuck and Jerry's here as well, and it's the Three Green Fairies coming to bring you madness and delirium. Possibly. Yeah, on Stuff you Should Know. I wish I wish Jerry would put like some sort of twinkle effect in there after I say stuff you should Know too, just a nod to the fairy thing. Yeah, yeah, well you know she's listeni

The Myth of Absinthe Top Questions Answered

How was absinthe created?

Absinthe was created by a doctor named Pierre Ordinaire in Switzerland during the French Revolution.

What ingredients were used to make the original absinthe?

The original absinthe was made with distilled grapes and wormwood, along with other botanicals like star anise, liquorice, fennel, hyssop, parsley, coriander, chamomile, and spinach.

How did absinthe become popular?

Absinthe became popular after it was used as a medicinal elixir in the French army to fight malaria in North Africa. It later gained popularity among the working class when the wine industry was affected by a grape-devastating insect.

What is the alcohol content of absinthe?

Absinthe is one of the highest proof liquors, with an alcohol content ranging from 60-80%.

Who were some famous artists associated with absinthe?

Prominent artists like Manet, van Gogh, and Picasso were known to have consumed absinthe.

Why was absinthe banned?

Absinthe was banned in various countries due to concerns over its perceived hallucinatory effects and associations with crime. A murder case in 1905 attributed to absinthe fueled the ban.

When was the ban on absinthe lifted?

The ban on absinthe lasted for over a hundred years and was lifted in the early 21st century.

What regulations exist for absinthe today?

Today, absinthe is available but with regulations on thujone levels and labeling.

What compounds give absinthe its characteristic taste?

Absinthe contains absinthin, a compound that gives it a bitter taste. Wormwood oil, one of its ingredients, contains thujone, which is often associated with hallucinations and seizures.

How is the "louche" effect created in absinthe?

The "louche" effect in absinthe is created by dribbling ice-cold water into it, causing water to dissolve some alcohol but not the oil-based plant components, resulting in a cloudy effect.

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