Absinthe at the cabin

Absinthe at the cabin
Originally uploaded by speedls

I think this might be the only "absinthe" photo I've ever taken that really looked like a "photographer" took it. Well, it does at least illustrate the fact that Lucid is just about the only absinthe I drink these days, in this crazy economy we've got here, due in no small part to the easy availability and relatively low price of roughly 60 dollars.

antique absinthe print

antique absinthe print
Originally uploaded by gregoreverb

Just a little something to remind everybody that I, as well as the absinthe, am still around.

The Truth about Thujone in Absinthe

Finally, something new to say, even though it's someone much more knowledgeable than I saying it. The truth is out there, and has been found, here:

thujone.info

Spread the news far and wide!

Absinthe (don't burn it)

Absinthe
Originally uploaded by arsylant

People, Everclear is for burning, not absinthe! I'll not spend any more time on this subject, just to say that every time I see one of these photos I can't believe the class doesn't shatter, and I imagine it just ruins the spoon as well.

absinthe by the light of burning clowns

absinthe by the light of burning clowns
Originally uploaded by IntangibleArts

I just LOVE this glass.

Zwilling, Absinthe

Zwilling, Absinthe
Originally uploaded by Intellectual Freedom Fighters

I pay attention to the Flickr group Absinthe every so often, I think it's a somewhat useful guide as to how the pendulum is swinging with regard to "how" people are drinking and "what" it is they're calling absinthe. If this pic is any guide, we're doing just fine.

Is it really truly legal?

Absinthe is legal now, right? Well, not so fast. Maybe, and probably are the best answers I can come up with now. You see, while the TTB has indeed approved three brands (Lucid, Kubler, and Le Tournment Verte) for import based on thujone tests, the 10 ppm ancient testing methodology and their labeling, that's not the whole story.

To begin with, they (TTB) appear to have made a choice in accepting the older testing methodology with the 10=0 error margin, but leave open the possibility of implementing and accepting newer testing methods at any time. This, of course, would shut the door that has so happily been opened right away. Second, the "law" hasn't actually been changed, just an interpretation of a test and a more liberal labeling acceptance has been implemented. So, as far as the Customs Bureau goes, for example, imports of anything with artemesia absinthium are still excluded. Plus, as far as I can tell, they intend to begin paying more attention to those other imports, although only time will tell if it really has any impact on individual shipments from European firms.

All in all, not exactly the clear cut declaration of "Mission Accomplished" that some people think it is (most ill informed bloggers and traditional news outlets), but I suppose we shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth so to speak. If some time goes by and things stay calm, we may just have a stable situation for awhile with the occasional new brand being approved and prices beginning to fall over time due to competition. Here's hoping.