Taboo Absinthe

The history of Absinthe is long and convoluted. There is plenty of misinformation about the effects of Absinthe, not to mention the laws regarding it. Because of all this misinformation, Absinthe has gained a reputation as a sinister spirit with psychoactive properties. The truth is much different. Absinthe does not have hallucinogenic or aphrodisiac properties, nor does it have any effects similar to marijuana. The reality about Absinthe is being promoted by groups of dedicated Absinthe advocates, like the Wormwood Society. There are also a handful of distillers producing this, once immensely popular, spirit in an artisanal fashion. One of these distillers is Okanagan Spirits, a producer of quality eaux-de-vie’s and now Absinthe, located in the Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia, Canada. In the coming months they will be releasing Taboo and here is a sneak peak at what they have to offer.

For a person who has never tried a true Absinthe, which is most people, it isn’t as mystical, or scary, as some would have you believe. The flavour profile of Absinthe is strongly anise (licorice) based. There are a variety of other herbs that provide complimentary flavours, such as mint and lemon balm, but the key one is Grand Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) which imparts a pleasant bitter quality. The nearest comparison, to Absinthe, would be a French Pastis like Pernod or Henri Bardouin. Pastis was created after Absinthe was banned in France (1915) to appease a population that had grown accustom to drinking the anise flavoured spirit. With pastis a number of changes took place, the main one being that pastis is sweetened and bottled at a lower proof than Absinthe, so it really isn’t a true comparison, but there are similarities.

Part of the attraction of Absinthe is the fact that so many countries outlawed its production. This had the affect of people wanting what they could not have, and it created this “mysticism”. But thanks to a group of very curious individuals, the reality of Absinthe is becoming much clearer. Current research shows that thujone, a component of wormwood, has no narcotic, hallucinogenic or aphrodisiac effects. Governments that once banned Absinthe, are reviewing the data, and the laws, and slowly allowing the re-introduction of this spirit to the market. This has opened the door for distillers, like Okanagan Spirits, to produce this classic spirit once again.

Q & A with Okanagan Spirits about Taboo Absinthe

Taboo Absinthe Verte Review

* 3:1 Water to Taboo, No sugar added