absinthe: artistic rituals, intestinal parasites, and psychoactive madness!

October 24th 2012

Ignite Denver 12

Joseph Labrecque

Botanical spirit containing Grande Wormwood, Aniseed, and Fennell.

Prepared with ice water in ritualistic fashion.

Ritualistic preparation

Deep and interesting history

All natural, medicinal

Overall EXPERIENCE!!!

1. Absinthe bulb

2. Spoon and sugar

3. Water pour

4. Time for drinking

Tapered “cup” glass with stem

A reservoir “bulb” or etching

Any glass can be used, really

Rests over the glass.

Sugar placed upon spoon

Slotted face allow sugars to pass easily into the glass below.

Iced water is held in a reservoir and trickled into the Absinthe via small spigot.

A small carafe of water may be used instead.

Cloudy

Swirling

Opalescent

Milky

The louche is created by botanic oils and their inability to bind to water.

During the louche, fragrances from the oils are released.

Absinthe is said to “bloom” during this process.

Anise & Fennel (licorice)

Wormwood (bitter)

Others herbs help create a balance and complexity.

Warmth, clarity, lucidity – not a base drunkenness.

Though it is highly alcoholic!

NOT hallucinations!

Medicinal properties.

Grows well in Colorado.

Contains a compound known as Thujone.

Hallucinations!!!! (not really)

Traditional Absinthes contain surprisingly little Thujone due to distillation.

Wards off Malaria Poisoning by Hemlock Bite of the sea Dragon General antiseptic Menstrual stimulant Anti-inflammatory Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder Weakens parasites and worms General medical elixir

Temperance movement

Wine lobbyists

Unsafe Absinthes

Murders

Misinformation

FDA = “Thujone-free”

Pre-ban Absinthes actually do fall into this range.

Modern, US Absinthe made the traditional way is real Absinthe.

1. The Trinity (W/A/F)

2. Flavors (anise + wormwood)

3. Unsweetened spirit

4. Herbal coloring – no dyes

5. Distilled in traditional way

1. Advertised as “high-Thujone”

2. No Grande Wormwood

3. Untraditional flavoring

4. Sweetened

5. Artificial dyes

Denver distilleries:

• Leopold Bros.

• Overland Distillery

Denver bars:

• À Côté Bar à Absinthe

• Lala’s Wine Bar

Let’s louch…

Twitter: @JosephLabrecque

Email: Joseph.Labrecque@du.edu

Web: http://JosephLabrecque.com/