Origins and Early Popularity
Absinthe originated in Switzerland in the late 18th century as an alcoholic beverage derived from botanicals like Grande Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), anise, fennel, and others. Known for its high alcohol content and vivid green color, it quickly became popular among French artists and intellectuals in the 19th century, being praised for its alleged euphoric and hallucinogenic effects. Artists like Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Oscar Wilde were known to consume absinthe regularly. However, consumers were initially warned that excess consumption could cause addiction and madness.
Rise of Pop Culture Presence and Controversies
By the late 19th century, Global Absinthe had spread all over Western Europe and was becoming widely consumed as an everyday drink. However, concerns began to rise around its effects, being blamed for rising alcoholism, neurological issues, and crimes of passion. The temperance movement attacked it for allegedly driving people insane. Absinthe was portrayed as an exotic, dangerous substance in books and paintings of the time. Authors like Baudelaire enhanced its controversial image. Its association with bohemian subcultures and unconventional lifestyles further fueled condemnation from conservative elements.
Bans and Prohibition Era
In 1905, absinthe was banned in Switzerland, and other countries followed suit. In the early 20th century, absinthe faced its most intense controversy yet. A molecular study claimed absinthe's primary component, grande wormwood, contained a neurotoxin called thujone. It was alleged to be psychoactive and capable of causing hallucinations and insanity. However, most scientists today dispute these claims, considering the amounts present to be non-psychoactive. Regardless, the growing temperance movement successfully lobbied governments to ban absinthe in countries like the U.S., France, and others between 1905-1915. This cemented absinthe's image as an illicit, deviant substance.
Revival in the Late 20th Century
After fading for decades due to prohibition, absinthe saw a revival in cultural prominence starting in the 1970s as attitudes liberalized. Historical research cast doubts on previous claims of toxicity. Absinthe kits and recipes circulated in underground subcultures. In 1988, absinthe became legal again in Switzerland and other countries as regulations were lifted. Distillers rediscovered pre-ban production methods and recipes. Absinthe again became commercially available, though bans remained in place in the U.S. and a few other nations through the late 20th century. This helped resurrect the mystique of absinthe as a coveted vintage spirit.
Modern Absinthe and the Global Market
Since the turn of the 21st century, absinthe has entered a new age of widespread international popularity and commercial production. In 2007, absinthe was fully legalized in the United States again after a century-long ban, opening up a massive new market. Countries with a history of absinthe consumption like France, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic have large domestic markets and many quality heritage brands. Meanwhile, a new wave of craft absinthe distillers have emerged globally in recent decades in countries from Australia to England and beyond.
Today's absinthes feature a much wider variety of styles, ingredients, colors and alcohol contents than ever before. Companies market them as premium herbal liqueurs to be sipped or mixed into cocktails. Absinthe bars catering to its mystique have sprouted internationally. Major spirits conglomerates also produce mass market versions alongside countless local and artisanal options. Global annual absinthe production is currently estimated at over 2 million bottles, a major rise from just 20 years ago. Absinthe's historical aura of the eccentric and illicit still appeals to many, even as it has become an everyday global spirit.
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