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