Now over the years, we have been asked A LOT of questions about our product, and rightfully so. The media has given people ideas about absinthe that are not always accurate--or even in the ballpark of true. So, here, we are going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions we hear. And if you have a question we have not addressed, please, feel free to go to our "Contact" page and fire away. We are always more than happy to educate people on our product!
What is it made of?
Wormwood is the basis of all absinthe. Without it, you simply cannot have it. The thujone contained in the wormwood makes absinthe, well, absinthe. The rest of the ingredients are all bonuses. Everything from vanilla to chilis to star anise is added to our absinthe to provide our customers with a special and unique kit (and way more on the way). Ask about how to custom order a special kit!
What does absinthe do to you?
Ah... we are so glad you asked. According to some movies and such out there, you see green fairies and it makes you do some questionable things with family members. But let me assure you... No. It does not. Blame all of your indiscretions on something else. Absinthe, as one very astute customer of ours put it, "It's like living life in HD." Some people experience a dreamlike state. Others could see colors more vividly. Sounds could become sharper and more distinguishable. Your sense of smell could pick up nuances not noticed before, and even your tactile perceptions could be more intense. Not everyone will experience the same things. You may experience all of them, or just a few. It all depends on your body. We have artists who have come to us and shown us their artwork as they continued to paint and drink absinthe. The colors grew more bold, the strokes more intense. Authors and poets report their muses are on overdrive while drinking absinthe.There is a reason so many artisans swear by this drink.
How much do I need to drink before I can feel the effects of the absinthe?
To be honest? As much as it takes (winthin reason). Just like we can't predict how much alcohol one can consume before feeling the effects, we can't really tell you how much exactly you need to consume before this will have an effect. It all depends on how your body is made, your metabolism, your size, your tolerance. Everyone is different. Someone new to this could possibly feel the effects after an ounce of the absinthe, or it may take a couple more. Same with a seasoned absinthe drinker. If you are new to this, take your time with it. Enjoy it. Enjoy the process of it. Slowly ease yourself into it and see how it affects you.
Isn't absinthe illegal?
Well, if it was... we would be in a lot of trouble, or maybe just super brave for putting ourselves out there like this. But as we have not been arrested yet and I'm not willing to go to jail over this, I assure you it is perfectly legal. In 2006, absinthe was again legalized in the US for consumption. We have run into this question time and time again, even getting into events, and we have spoken to the department of agriculture, DEA, and BATF along with police departments and sheriffs all over the country, many wondering why in the world we would be asking this question. But to put any and all minds at ease, we did our legwork and then some to make sure everyone knew our product was legal to sell and consume. So drink up, my friends!
Isn't absinthe the stuff that made Van Gogh cut off his own ear?
(Yes - we really get asked this...) But let's be honest here, people, Van Gogh, although brilliant, had issues way before he started drinking absinthe. But in all seriousness, back in the early, early days of absinthe, they were making this stuff with opium and formaldehyde and then proceeding to drink it out of lead crystal glasses. Traditional absinthe also had between 95-98% alcohol by volume... Anyone else see a few issues? The wormwood itself, the little guy who brings us our absinthe, has been given a bad rap. He is not a hallucinogen. Absinthe is not, and has been proven to not be, a hallucinogen. Take that, Van Gogh! One of the great things about purchasing one of our kits is that you get your absinthe effects, with an alcohol strength of your choosing in the flavor you choose.
How do I use this kit you gave me?
Please see our instructions page on the website for making and drinking your absinthe.
Can you make this into a tea?
We now have a line of kits that you can make into your very own teas. As for the absinthe, however, well, the jury is still out on that one. We have had customers tell us they have done it successfully, but we have not done any thorough research and testing on this ourselves. So as of right now, we don't have enough experience with this to say with 100% guarantee that you will get the same effects if made into a tea rather than mixing with alcohol. Without us doing our own research, we are not comfortable telling anyone this is going to give you the experience you are looking for. If you try it and it works, PLEASE, let us know. We would love to hear about your experience with it!
Well, if not a tea, what else can I do with it? Can I smoke it? Can I make it into a poultice?
Ummm... technically, once you buy our kits, they belong to you. Technically, you can do anything you want to with them. Technically, I would highly suggest not doing these things with them. Technically, I would advise you to follow the instructions provided to you to completely enjoy your absinthe experience. Technically speaking...
Shoot! I forgot about my absinthe and left it in the alcohol for two months! It's ruined now, isn't it?
Not at all, my dear, not at all. The alcohol has now absorbed all of the thujone out of the wormwood and is all nestled nicely in your jar. The herbs will not go bad while sitting in the alcohol, so do not fret. The flavors will mellow out and the drink will become smoother. The longer the herbs sit in the alcohol, the more they blend. The bitters, if any, will also grow less intense as time passes.
How long do I have before I have to make my absinthe?
We always suggest you make your absinthe right away; however, sometimes life gets in the way and we have to wait a while to make this or maybe we want to give it as a gift. If you aren't planning on using your kit right away, please store in the refrigerator. This will keep your herbs usable for 6-8 months. Remember, during this time, the herbs will start to lose their oils and can become stale, altering the taste of the flavor you chose. So, it is always better to make it right away, and store the absinthe itself until you are ready to drink it.
How many times can I use this bag?
Once - leave the bag in the alcohol for a total of 30 days for a bottle of alcohol that is around 45% ABV. For an alcohol with an ABV of around 15% (the lowest you can use our kits in) the time goes up to about 45 days. If you are a seasoned drinker or just really like not remembering the night you had before, you can use an alcohol with any ABV of 55% or higher and still only have to wait the 30 days.
Is this traditional absinthe?
If you are asking if this is distilled absinthe, then the answer is no. It's not. However, we use the same type of wormwood used in traditional absinthe, and you will get the thujone needed from the wormwood. But what you are making is a tincture. There is no distillation with our products. We have had people use our kits while distilling their own alcohols at home, so that can be done.