Absinthe
Bits & Pieces
by Erowid
The "Bits & Pieces" section is intended for random snippets of information which don't fit
easily elsewhere and/or which have been newly added, but not yet carefully categorized.
"Absinthe" etymology
According to Padosch et. al, the word "absinthe" is probably derived from the Greek word apsinthion, meaning undrinkable.
Louche
When water is slowly added to absinthe, it forms a "louche", transmuting rapidly from a vibrant emerald green to a milky opal green color. This occurs because oils in the anise and fennel are soluble in alcohol but not in water. When water is added, the semi-opaque oils separate out.
An Amercan "Green Hour"?
When absinthe import restrictions were eased in 2007, the United States quickly became a major importer of absinthe. On Jul 20, 2008, the Sunday Herald reported that in the first 6 months of 2008, "of the 167,000 litres of absinthe made in Switzerland, 140,000 were sold to the US." (see article)
| Last Modified -
Thu, Aug 21, 2008 |
Created by Erowid |