Countries That Permit Absinthe Sale
09.12.2009 in Uncategorized by Author
There are many countries where Absinthe is legal to buy, sell and consume. Gone are the times when Absinthe was clandestine, when it had to be distilled in secrecy, shipped from other countries or labeled differently. In most countries it is no longer a crime to distill Absinthe or against the law to sell it.
Absinthe is a herbal liquor which has an anise taste. It is usually served diluted with iced water, which causes the famous louche effect, and was a popular beverage in the 19th century. Most nations banned it at the beginning of the 20th century because of concerns about the chemical thujone found in wormwood. Not only was Absinthe an intoxicant,but it was also perceived to give hallucination to its users.
The medical professionals claimed that Absinthe contained substantially large amounts of thujone which they alleged was psychoactive, like THC in the drug cannabis, and could cause psychedelic effects. It is now clear that Absinthe contains trace amounts of thujone and is apparently as safe as any strong spirit. if consumed in excess, It may however give you a very different type of drunkenness. The alcohol when combined with these unique blend of herbs act as both a sedative and a stimulant – very strange. Many consumers have described it as a “lucid” drunkenness.
Countries where Absinthe can be legally traded include:-
United States – Absinthe was banned in 1912 but in 2007 a few brands of Absinthe were approved in the US. The USA only allows “thujone free” beverages to be sold but Absinthes with less than 10 parts per million of thujone (less than 10mg per liter) count as thujone free.
The EU (European Union) – Absinthe was legalized in the EU in 1988 but there is a regulation regarding thujone content in drinks in the EU. Up to 10mg/kg of thujone is allowed in alcohol with more than 25% alcohol by volume, and up to 35mg/kg in alcohol labeled “bitters”.
Australia – Absinthe drinking is legal. Bitters can have a thujone content of up to 35mg/kg and other beverages can contain up to 10mg/kg.
Brazil – Absinthe enjoys legal status but should not have more than 10mg/kg thujone and that it should have less than 55% abv.
Canada – From March 2007 it has been up to the separate Canadian province liquor boards to regulate thujone. A decent number of provinces disallow any thujone containing alcoholic drink to be sold, however Absinthe is legal in Nova Scotia, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. Quebec and Ontario law permits Absinthe with up to 10mg/kg thujone to be sold legally.
Czech Republic – Absinthe was never banned.
France – Banned Absinthe in 1915 after a lot of publicity. French law of 1988 allows thujone beverages to be sold if they comply with EU laws and if they are labeled “spiritueux à base de plantes d’absinthe” and not Absinthe. France also has guidelines preventing excessive use of fenchone which is found in fennel, a key ingredient of Absinthe, so beverages also have to have low fenchone contents (up to 5mg/liter).
Hungary – Absinthe got legal status in 2004.
Israel – Apparently Absinthe is legal and on sale in Israel.
Ireland – Absinthe is illegal to buy and sell but can be imported for personal consumption.
Netherlands – Absinthe received a legal status in 2004. Absinthe must be compliant with EU requirements.
New Zealand – Absinthe is legal as per law.
Portugal – Absinthe was never banned.
Russia – High thujone Absinthes are readily available in Russia.
Serbia – Serbia does not seem to allow Absinthe containing thujone or above 50% abv to be sold.
South Africa – Absinthe enjoys legal status as of 2005.
Sweden – Absinthe is legal and should be labeled as wormwood. The Absinthe kit site is located in Sweden.
Switzerland – The home of Absinthe legalized Absinthe in 2005 after banning it in 1908.
UK – The UK government never banned Absinthe. Absinthe must comply with EU legislation.
As now known there are many countries where Absinthe can be legally enjoyed. You may want to make your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences are used in the preparation of hight quality Absinthe that is supplied across the globe. They do not require distillation, that has already been done for you, and so are perfectly legal. Check these out.