Regarding the green bottle I posted the other day: it’s a spirit called Absinthe—specifically, a brand named La Féeand their product “ENVY.”
I’m certainly no expert, but I’d like to share a little background on what Absinthe is for those who are curious.
Absinthe became incredibly popular in 19th-century France. While it falls under the category of liqueurs or spirits, its potency is on another level. While beer or wine usually sits around 4% to 12% ABV, Absinthe ranges from 40% to 90%.
It is a vibrant green or clear liquid, but it has the mystical quality of turning cloudy—like swirling smoke—when water is added.Its primary ingredient is wormwood, which gives it a subtle, herbal aroma. You can find both sweet and dry varieties.
The classic way to enjoy it feels like an alchemist’s experiment: you place a sugar cube on a specially designed slotted spoon resting over the glass, then slowly drip ice water over the sugar, letting it dissolve into the spirit drop by drop.
The history of Absinthe began as a medicinal elixir based on medieval recipes, later refined by a French doctor into a distilled spirit. Eventually, it gained explosive popularity as an apéritif.
However, because it was strong and inexpensive, it led many into alcoholism. Furthermore, the medicinal components derived from wormwood became a major concern. It was said to provide artistic inspiration while simultaneously driving drinkers toward madness—causing hallucinations, nerve paralysis, erratic behavior, and self-destructive impulses.
A quick search will show you it was called “The Devil’s Spirit” or “The Fairy with Poisoned Wings,” famously loved—and eventually ruined—by artists like Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Verlaine.
Consequently, its production and sale were banned in the early 20th century. However, later research revealed that the active components in Absinthe were not as dangerous as previously thought. It was eventually legalized again under certain conditions and has seen a resurgence in recent years.
Since it’s rarely found in standard liquor stores, has a very distinct flavor, and can be quite expensive, I wouldn’t recommend buying a full bottle right away. If you’re interested, it’s probably best to visit a bar that serves Absinthe and consult with a bartender. Alternatively, I believe there are small sampler sets available online.
Recommended Article (Japanese): Ten Years Since the Ban Was Lifted—The Resurgence of Absinthe’s Popularityhttp://sakebunka.sub.jp/column/world4/archives/000610.html
[22:59] Minor edits made.