There are a number of countries where Absinthe can be legally traded. Gone are the times of bootleg or clandestine Absinthe, when it had to be distilled in secrecy, shipped from other countries or labeled differently. In most countries it is not a crime now to distill Absinthe.
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. It was declared as illigal in many countries at the beginning of the 20th century due to suspected neuronal effects of chemical thujone found in wormwood. Besides being an intoxicant Absinthe was also thought to be an hallucinogen.
Many ddenouncers claimed that Absinthe contained large amounts of thujone which they alleged was psychoactive, like THC in the drug cannabis, and could cause psychedelic effects. We now know that Absinthe only contains small amounts of thujone and is just as safe as any strong spirit. It may however give you a distinct kind of drunkenness, if consumed in excess. The alcohol when combined with these unique blend of herbs act as both a sedative and a stimulant – very strange. Some people have described the experience of it as a “lucid” or “clear headed” drunkenness.
Countries where Absinthe has legal status include:-
United States – Absinthe was made illegal in 1912 however in 2007 a few brands of Absinthe were approved in the US because of their low thujone content. 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. Up to 10mg/kg of thujone is permitted 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 not more than 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 legislate that Absinthe with maximum of 10mg/kg thujone can be legally sold.
Czech Republic – sale and distribution of Absinthe was always legal.
France – France famously banned Absinthe in 1915. French government passed a law in 1988 that 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. French government also has stringent regulations with respect to fenchone which is found in fennel, and an important constituent of Absinthe, hence beverages should have fenchone less than 5mg/liter.
Hungary – Absinthe is legal.
Israel – Absinthe is legal and on sale in Israel.
Ireland – thujone containing 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 enjoys legal status.
Portugal – Absinthe was always allowed.
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 complying with EU legislation can be sold and is labeled as containing wormwood. The Absinthe kit site is located in Sweden.
Switzerland – Absinthe was once again made legal in 2005 after being banned it in 1908.
UK – The UK government never banned Absinthe. Absinthe has to be in compliance with EU legislation.
As you can see there are a number of countries where Absinthe is legal. You may want to make your own Absinthe using Absinthe essences from AbsintheKit.com. These essences are best for preparation of hight qauality Absinthe and are supplied across the globe. They do not require distillation, that has already been done for you, and so are perfectly legal. Check them out.
