Absinth…

[imageWIS]

I ordered a bottle from Europe (man was the shipping astronomical!). I haven't had any before, what's it like? How much does it differ from "˜regular' alcohol? Any brands that are recommended over the rest of the stuff out there? I already placed my order, but if I like it would be nice to know for the future.

Jon.

 

[Lucky Strike]

Did you order from the Czech Republic?

The taste is much like Pernod or any other pastis, only often stronger and harsher.

 

[LabelKing]

You have to get an absinthe spoon.

 

[Kent Wang]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thujone#Pharmacology

For many years thujone was thought to act on the cannabinoid receptors similar to THC based on studies that only looked at the molecules shape. [1] This is known to be false today and studies show thujone does not bind to these receptors. Thujone is a GABA-a receptor antagonist. By inhibiting GABA receptor activation neurons may fire more easily which can cause muscle spasms and convulsions. [2] A toxicology study of alpha-thujone, the more active of the two isomers, in mice found the median lethal dose, or LD50, is around 45 mg/kg, with 0% mortality rate at 30 mg/kg and 100% at 60 mg/kg. Those exposed to the higher dose had convulsions that led to death in 1 minute. From 30 to 45 mg/kg the mice would experience muscle spasms in the legs which progressed to general convulsions until death or recovery. Pretreatment of diazepam, phenobarbital or 1 g/kg of ethanol protected against a lethal 100 mg/kg dose. These findings are inline with other GABA antagonists. This study also found alpha-thujone was quickly metabolized in the mouse's liver. [2] The LD50 dose in humans is not known however a study in the "Journal of Studies of alcohol" tested attention performance with low, and high doses of thujone in alcohol. The researchers administered 0.28 mg/kg thujone in alcohol, 0.028 mg/kg in alcohol and just alcohol to their subjects. The high dose had a short term negative effect on attention performance. The lower dose showed no noticeable effect. [3] There is no evidence any size dose will cause hallucinations.

 

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by LabelKing

You have to get an absinthe spoon.

It comes with a spoon.

Jon.

 

[Fabienne]

http://styleforum.net/showthread.php...hlight=absinth

 

[j]

It tastes like crap. And it doesn't do anything special, even if you can choke down a lot of it. It does, however, look really cool, and it has a neat little ritual to do with it. But given the choice, I'd rather make flaming Dr Peppers.

 

[whodini]

That clip is amazing. Why are people so marsupialed?

 

[JBZ]

One look at that clip and you'll never doubt Darwin again.

 

[j]

I love the Godzilla move he does, reminds me of this Dairy Queen commercial for the Flamethrower burger.

BTW, that is not how you're supposed to do a Flaming DrP - it's supposed to be dropped into a beer like a Carbomb.

 

[JBZ]

Originally Posted by j

I love the Godzilla move he does, reminds me of this Dairy Queen commercial for the Flamethrower burger.

BTW, that is not how you're supposed to do a Flaming DrP - it's supposed to be dropped into a beer like a Carbomb.

I know I'm getting old. When I was in college, all we did was drink cheap beer from a keg in the basement (well, that and the odd grain alcohol laced watermelon). I don't think the idea of lighting alcohol on fire and then drinking ever occurred to us.

 

[imageWIS]

The one I ordered contains 28 mg of wormwood...

Jon.

 

[mwrenchd]

Edouard & Nouvelle Orleans are the best in my opinion (and the most expensive, no surprise). Un Emile is a good starter. I've also been enjoying Duplais for something a little spicier and drier.

It differs from regular spirits in that it is a lot stronger and is typically diluted. The flavor varies pretty widely between labels but is anchored by a clear fennel/anise flavor generally. A nice absinthe is a world of difference from the cheap Czech stuff that is in abundance.

 

[skalogre]

I have had the US version. Tastes like cheap ouzo with a bit more tanginess.

 

[mwrenchd]

You didn't have absinthe then, which is technically illegal to produce or sell in the U.S.