Overview

Absinthe is traditionally a distilled, highly alcoholic (45%-75%) beverage. It is an anise-flavored spirit derived from herbs, including the flowers and leaves of the herb Artemesia Absinthium, also called wormwood. Absinthe has a characteristic natural green colour but can also be colourless. It is often called "the Green Fairy". Although it is sometimes mistakenly called a liqueur, absinthe is not bottled with added sugar and is therefore classified as a liquor. Absinthe is unusual among spirits in that it is bottled at a high proof but is normally diluted with water when it is drunk.

Open the Toxicology History Room Poster on Absinthe Poster 1 and Poster 2
Open a presentation on Absinthe here (pdf of PowerPoint)

History and Pictures

With thanks to - Oxygenee Ltd., The Virtual Absinthe Museum and David Nathan-Maister.

It seems even cats can't get enough of it.

And ... not to be outdone ... a canine pose.

Found in larger cafes or bistros, these water dispensers allowed up to 6 absinthes to be prepared simultaneously.

6-Robinette Absinthe Legler-Pernod fountain with engraved glass
and publicity on the base. Believed to be the only example
with original glass still surviving.

Butterfly AbsintheP. Dempsey & Co.Boston, Mass.
A hand blown pint bottle with a deep punt and a crudely applied neck seal, probably dating from around 1880 - 1890. Although US labellings of French brands such as Pernod Fils, Edouard Pernod and Cusenier are found quite frequently, this is the only documented bottle surviving from a pre-prohibition US absinthe manufacturer.

External Links

Absinthe - wikipedia
Oxygenee Ltd., The Virtual Absinthe Museum David Nathan-Maister