Is Absinthe Really Evil?! A look at the history of this storied spirit

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 3 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 86

  • @toolongforyoutoread6
    @toolongforyoutoread6 2 роки тому +17

    I don't know the exact original absinthe recipe, but I do know that most historical absinthes used Green Anise, which is native to the Mediterranean, and not Star Anise, which is native to East Asia. Green Anise is much less overpowering and much more complex than Star Anise, and it results in better absinthe. When Pernod introduced its first absinthe in nearly a century it was roundly criticized for being artificially colored, sweetened, and flavored with Star Anise. Pernod reformulated their absinthe a few years later in response to these criticisms.

  • @stevenbrady1624
    @stevenbrady1624 2 роки тому +3

    3:33 Heritage is such an awesome brand of absinthe, it’s from the Paul Devoille Distillerie in Fougerolles France and you can only get it at an online store in Germany called Alandia that ships globally. Heritage Absinthe is a collaboration between Alandia and the distillery. They have other great brands too from the Emile Pernot Distillerie from Pontarlier, the Combier Distillerie and many others. 💚🧚🏻‍♂️

  • @alexiskatsogiannos7468
    @alexiskatsogiannos7468 2 роки тому +1

    Nice outfit for the video! I fell in love with this drink years back. Im lookong forward to hear your thoughts upon tasting the diffrent varieties, cheers!

  • @mdp9777
    @mdp9777 2 роки тому +1

    I had no idea absinthe had such a story. It surprised me to hear it was illegal in France for too long. Great video!

  • @jerryrajotte3040
    @jerryrajotte3040 4 місяці тому

    I love your fountain. It's far more interesting than mine. I guess it's time to go shopping. Great videos. Thank you.

  • @chicobicalho5621
    @chicobicalho5621 2 роки тому +3

    I love this channel, not because I have a crush on Mmle Devine (a declared one, since most subscribers here clearly hide theirs, and instead beat around the bush with cheesy flirtation), but because all postings are amazing in one way or another. I dislike licorice, so theoretically absinthe or pastisse would be drinks I'd skip, but, nooo, I watch the whole thing like an adolescent in love. By the way, brilliant choice of Felix Nadar portraits for Baudelaire, and that fascinating creature, Edouard Manet at 3:40

  • @marna_li
    @marna_li 2 роки тому +1

    I sprayed some absinthe on a glas when I made a Gin Sour (without adding Egg White). The aroma of absinthe affects you perception of the cocktail. I want to learn how to make some great absinthe drinks.

    • @BehindtheBar
      @BehindtheBar  2 роки тому

      ua-cam.com/video/z_52luZZo5c/v-deo.html
      😉

  • @Coasterdude02149
    @Coasterdude02149 2 роки тому +1

    Brilliant video! I have loved Absinthe since my first sip back in the mid 00’s. Finally it is legal & I can order it myself. The Jades from Ted Breaux are wonderful. Nectar of the gods. We all owe Ted Breaux much gratitude for being a major force in getting the ban lifted here in the US. Santé 🧚

  • @ryandeklerk9553
    @ryandeklerk9553 2 роки тому +4

    My favorite absinthe is the American St. George absinthe verte. It isn't traditional, as it uses brandy as its base, but it's wonderful.

    • @bronstet
      @bronstet 2 роки тому

      Same here! Amazing stuff!

  • @abhijithhb4795
    @abhijithhb4795 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for the history, I always thought there was a blanket ban on Absinthe, before it got revived. Though you would pour a dash or two for taste check.

  • @darkkestrel1
    @darkkestrel1 2 роки тому +3

    If you're ever in Switzerland and can pass by the Neuchâtel area, I highly recommend going to the Maison de l'Absinthe in the Val-de-Travers (where absinthe originated)
    As I say that I realise it wasn't very anglophone-friendly so if you speak French, German, or Italian or have someone who does, you should be fine

  • @drewloustaunau7371
    @drewloustaunau7371 2 роки тому

    i don’t think we comment on your style enough, you’re always killing it in the fashion dept !! and your hair is looking amazing

  • @Absinthe-Mike
    @Absinthe-Mike 2 роки тому +4

    Good research about absinthe history. Then only thing, there is no historical evidence so far, that absinthe was distilled on larger scale in the Czech Republic (before communism). Havenrugger also pointed this out in his comment.

    • @BehindtheBar
      @BehindtheBar  2 роки тому

      Hmm I’m sure I read it somewhere, will have to check my sources! Thanks pal!

  • @deanarmstrong8185
    @deanarmstrong8185 2 роки тому +1

    I’m an artist and I understood everything you said.😂 I have a bottle on my bar. Great history lesson, well done! Subscribed!

  • @RonR
    @RonR 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much Cara, for such an in-depth history of absinthe. Additionally, your hair is lovely.

  • @xPaulie
    @xPaulie 2 роки тому

    Interesting video about an obscure drink called Absinthe. I learned some new things I didn't know about it's history. Thanks! 👍

  • @paulfaber5143
    @paulfaber5143 2 роки тому +1

    From comments on this & other absinthe posts,I think most people don’t realize absinthe is designed to be diluted with ice water. Good luck to anyone who tries to drink it straight!!! Cara if you ever visit New Orleans, check out the absinthe fountains at the Old Absinthe House. They are originals bought by the bar back in the 1800s. Dave Wondrich did an excellent deep-dive article on this historic bar. To modern eyes it’s just one more old dark dive filled with tourists in New Orleans, but if you know cocktail history you can strike up a nice conversation with the bartenders.

    • @taraelizabethdensley9475
      @taraelizabethdensley9475 2 роки тому +1

      I drank absinthe neat in my 20s, i remember ending up very drunk very quickly, and a rotten hangover. Lol

  • @robertgardner1498
    @robertgardner1498 2 роки тому

    Absolutely loved this history lesson. I confess that I somehow was aware of the hallucinogenic reputation of absinthe. I will now be able to enjoy reassured by fact. Thank you!

  • @kennycraven2648
    @kennycraven2648 2 роки тому +1

    I love that painting by Degas

  • @ginafriend1690
    @ginafriend1690 2 роки тому +2

    Love how knowledgeable you are 🙌 Thanks, Cara. When you had your haircut, did you give to Locks of love? If so, it's was certainly appreciated!

  • @daniobevasdellio7066
    @daniobevasdellio7066 2 роки тому +2

    In my city an "Absinthe oriented" bar has recently opened, maybe the first in the country. They have several to taste with the fountain, I don't say that i dislike it but I don't think it can be compared to stuff like Whisky, Brandy, Rum etc. I see it working better as a gin alternative.

  • @darkpharaoh542
    @darkpharaoh542 2 роки тому +4

    I feel like every time she says "So now you know" I really be knowing. LOL Now I get to share my liquor nerdiness with my friends. Thanks for another great video.

    • @fredlabosch5164
      @fredlabosch5164 2 роки тому

      Yup, Ralfy does that as well. Seems to be a scottish or maybe even a glaswegian thing, I dunno.

  • @taquitopicante5863
    @taquitopicante5863 2 роки тому

    Thank you, Cara. I swear, I learn something every week from you! Nice video. 😉

  • @chickrepelant
    @chickrepelant 2 роки тому

    thanks for this! Sazeracs, and Jet Pilots are some of my favorite drinks. When bartending, i frequently have to explain the strange history of the spirit. Shout-out to StGeorge distillery, in Alameda, California!

  • @dennisnelson8207
    @dennisnelson8207 2 роки тому

    Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder.

  • @SchuggiesCeilidhs
    @SchuggiesCeilidhs 2 роки тому

    Brilliant video. Best Absynthe is Murmichan🎉

  • @nicktheflybradley
    @nicktheflybradley 2 роки тому

    Great Video Cara, well researched. I have a bottle of Trennet Absynth, made in Czech Republic. 60/% ABV. It works very well as a glass moistened, or bar spoon whatever the cocktail recipes say. I did have a couple of Death in the Afternoon drinks which were good using a bit more but I still have more than half a bottle left. Nick from York

  • @harryparmley1193
    @harryparmley1193 2 роки тому

    Ohh..! and love the red dish golden locks...

  • @fugu4163
    @fugu4163 2 роки тому +2

    I like a glas of absinthe to sip on on a hot summer day but i should really like if someone came up with some interesting cocktails for this spirit.

    • @havenrugger
      @havenrugger 2 роки тому

      Absinthe is one of the most popular ingredients in cocktails. Many of the best classic cocktails call for it. The Wormwood Society has hundreds listed.

    • @BehindtheBar
      @BehindtheBar  2 роки тому +1

      😉
      ua-cam.com/video/z_52luZZo5c/v-deo.html

    • @iainrobb2076
      @iainrobb2076 2 роки тому +1

      I invented one I haven't tried yet. Mix three parts absinthe to one part creme de menthe in a tall glass (say, a 100 ml measurement) and top up with cloudy apple juice till you get around 500 ml. That will divide into two glasses. Add plenty of lemon water ice cubes. Garnish with orange peel or star anise. Add a few dashes of orange bitters. I'm calling it a Moonlit Meadow until I can get a better name for it. I think it will work, but good absinthe is expensive, and I'm also laying off the drink just now for a bit.

  • @joebaumgart1146
    @joebaumgart1146 2 роки тому +1

    I tried Absinthe for the first time with some girls I met in Amsterdam. My go to ever since. I cut it with tonic water and it's not so bad. Definitely recommend taking it easy though. Not a party drink.

  • @PiemanPerkins
    @PiemanPerkins 2 роки тому +5

    Honestly, you could have said that absinthe was absolute evil that the devil himself pissed out and my opinion of the stuff would have gone unchanged. All hail the green fairy!

  • @aaronfavre6863
    @aaronfavre6863 2 роки тому

    Great informational video.luv your hair 😁🤔

  • @harryparmley1193
    @harryparmley1193 2 роки тому

    Think I have to explore more anise cocktails. I sorta fell into the wormwood fear too, but damn, I like licorice ! Now I... don't know..!

  • @markgreene2865
    @markgreene2865 2 роки тому

    I love the history, I love the nerdiness, and I had no idea you had a lawyer brain and OMG that explains so much (in a good way!)!!! :-)

  • @stephane.foisy.186
    @stephane.foisy.186 2 роки тому

    I love absinthe and there is a locally made one with farm cultivated botanical made in the traditional fashion that is fantastic.

  • @funstang2008
    @funstang2008 2 роки тому

    Here in Austin, TX there is a French restaurant/bar called Peche' and their bar specializes in absinthe and absinthe cocktails, wonderful stuff! :)

  • @Mark_Wood
    @Mark_Wood 2 роки тому

    What great storytelling!

  • @GavinBollard
    @GavinBollard 2 роки тому

    Great history lesson. I feel enlightened.

  • @TheNeonEmbers
    @TheNeonEmbers 2 роки тому

    Do a video on the Singapore sling

  • @marshmellowmama5588
    @marshmellowmama5588 2 роки тому +2

    The first time I tried absinthe was with my best friend, I hardly had any, she was in such a state that she couldn't tell the difference between me and the dining room table. By look or touch. I still laugh at that.

  • @joelgalindo613
    @joelgalindo613 2 роки тому

    Thanks!

  • @darkkestrel1
    @darkkestrel1 2 роки тому

    Switzerland's best contribution to the world ;)

  • @Justin-nr1mj
    @Justin-nr1mj 2 роки тому

    Now we know💌

  • @MJorgy5
    @MJorgy5 2 роки тому

    I met Absinth in college. Maybe I'll give it another chance. 🧚‍♂️

  • @Malum09
    @Malum09 2 роки тому +1

    So EuroTrip lied to me and I won’t see a green fairy? Damn

  • @9hundred67
    @9hundred67 2 роки тому

    where in Melbourne are you currently working?

  • @annalisa14
    @annalisa14 2 роки тому

    So now ya know!

  • @nickmitchell5150
    @nickmitchell5150 2 роки тому

    Lovely stuff, had some 95% christ knows what from Tenerife many years ago. Absolutely awful, but true rocket fuel, to Amazon I shall go!
    Also, looking great Cara ❤️

    • @havenrugger
      @havenrugger 2 роки тому +1

      If it was 95%, it wasn't real absinthe. Fake brands abound in Spain, unfortunately.

    • @nickmitchell5150
      @nickmitchell5150 2 роки тому +1

      @@havenrugger 100% agree mate. Didn't even taste like 95% either. Diabolo Negro iirc

  • @mavtube
    @mavtube 2 роки тому +3

    Feedback: Was not a big fan of the new (?) shaky-cam. Much prefer sticking with the tripod please :)

  • @MarcosSerna
    @MarcosSerna 2 роки тому

    Dude, I’ve been at an absinthe kick all month and my coworkers hate me haha

  • @redoorn
    @redoorn 2 роки тому +1

    that's some hair you got there, sister.
    how do you get it to grow like that in a week? :-)

    • @BehindtheBar
      @BehindtheBar  2 роки тому

      Haha! It has messed with the timeline a bit 😉

  • @OcarinaSapphr-
    @OcarinaSapphr- 2 роки тому +1

    It only took over from gin...

  • @marclucas5100
    @marclucas5100 2 роки тому

    I thought you cut your hair. Is this an old video. I like it long.

  • @frankmartinez4856
    @frankmartinez4856 2 роки тому

    Didn’t you see Jack the Ripper & Sherlock Holmes? Yes, it’s evil 👿

    • @Ghorda9
      @Ghorda9 2 роки тому

      sherlock was doing drugs at the same time.

    • @fetzie23
      @fetzie23 2 роки тому

      I think anything abnormal attributed to Sherlock Holmes would be more appropriately attributed to his regular intake of opium than anything else 😉

  • @sjt4225
    @sjt4225 2 роки тому

    Hold up. Your hair just grew 18 inches since the last video. What's going on?

    • @BehindtheBar
      @BehindtheBar  2 роки тому +1

      The magic of television 😉 haha

  • @TheVileintent
    @TheVileintent 2 роки тому

    just because you get corrected about the crap that was on your bar doesn't mean you can keep removing what i commented. i was being nice till now. you have no idea what absinthe actually is. those bottles are not absinthe at all.

    • @BehindtheBar
      @BehindtheBar  2 роки тому

      Hi Todd! It’s only 9am here so I’ve literally just woken up, definitely haven’t been deleting any comments haha. I wasn’t able to get the range of absinthe I was hoping to for this video as my contact at an absinthe bar nearby got covid, but given that the focus of the video is more history than tasting I figured it wasn’t the end of the world! That said, they are all absinthe…I’m not really sure what you mean by saying they’re not?

    • @havenrugger
      @havenrugger 2 роки тому

      @@BehindtheBar the Green Tree brand (in the middle) is not absinthe. It's a macerated product that is artificially colored and doesn't louche. It's one of those brands I mentioned in my original comment that co-opted the name just to make money.

    • @BehindtheBar
      @BehindtheBar  2 роки тому +1

      @@havenrugger oh yeah that’s definitely on the table to illustrate the dark days of absinthe that I mentioned haha!

  • @ciragoettig1229
    @ciragoettig1229 Рік тому

    the traditional and very popular bitter liqueur of croatia and the rest of ex-yugoslavia, Pelinkovac, was always wormwood based - its named after the local name for A.absinthium -- pelin. it has a mix of other herbs but wormwood is the dominant component. Its been made on a commercial scale the mid 19ct. So if they blamed a wormwood tincture for the psychoactive effects, yet vermuth was fine, was it illegal to sell such a wormwood-heavy liqueur of substantially higher proof than a wine (30ish% ABV) on the EU market prior to 1990s? What was the dividing line legally anyhow?
    And needless to say, there's not been an outbreak of pelinkovac-induced hallucinations or madness in the balkans, or with the at least somewhat similar central european liqueurs that I think often also had a fair bit of wormwood in them in all that period of continued use, so its a bit bizzare that wasn't taken as a counterexample to the notion wormwood was to blame for any hypothetical ills absinthe was supposedly causing...