Post #15108 by bigbrotiki on Sat, Nov 30, 2002 1:32 AM

Mark, go on bookfinder.com and order yourself a copy of "ABSINTH- History in a Bottle" by Barnaby Conrad (Chronicle Books). This book is to Absinth what the BOT is to Tiki. Beautiful vintage illustrations, and great stories about the artistic elite of Europe abusing the stuff. It is very likely to be responsible for the current revival of interest in Absinth in Europe. Ten years ago there was none tp be found, and now you can get 10 - 15 different brands from Spain, France, etc.
It all started with these Londoners importing HILL'S Absinth from Czecheslovakia (which was the only available brand back then) 5 years ago . Horrible stuff, little in common with real Absinth. But it had the image of the forbidden so it was a big hit in London clubs.
The new brands do a good job at getting close to the original booze, but they have less wormwood than the old stuff in there, which is the dangerous (halluzinogenic) part. But who wants to pop braincells like soap bubbles.
I think it's technically still illegal in the US.