Absinthe, a controversial and misunderstood drink
For a long time, absinthe had a disturbing reputation: that of an alcohol “that drives you mad”. Associated with cursed artists and the decadence of the late 19th century, it was banned in many countries. However, this dark legend is based more on collective fears and excessive consumption than on scientific reality.
Nicolas Malfondet
5/13/20252 min read
Absinthe in the 19th century
Distilled from plants (grand wormwood, anise, fennel, hyssop, etc.), this drink enjoyed tremendous success in the 19th century, particularly in France and Switzerland.
Nicknamed “the green fairy", it became a ritual drink, served with an absinthe fountain, sugar, and a slotted spoon.
However, its growing popularity worried the wine industry, which was already struggling after the phylloxera crisis.
The myth of madness
Absinthe was believed to cause delirium and hallucinations. Verlaine and Rimbaud, among others, were said to have suffered the consequences.
But in reality, the health problems were mainly caused by very strong alcohol (often around 70% ABV) consumed in large quantities and, sometimes, by poor quality or adulterated products.
Let's be clear: a glass of properly distilled absinthe does not drive you mad!
Prohibition and rehabilitation
Under pressure from anti-alcohol movements and the wine industry (which carried out one of the first major modern lobbying campaigns), absinthe was banned in Switzerland in 1908 and France in 1915.
It remained banned for nearly a century, maintaining its mysterious aura.
It was not until the early 2000s that it made its big comeback, following legislative clarification and stricter controls on its composition (thujone content).
Today, absinthe is once again produced and enjoyed legally in Switzerland, France, and around the world. Absinthe bars, or “absintheries", are now commonplaces.
Thujone, a controversial molecule
Grand wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) contains thujone, a molecule also found in other plants such as sage and thuja.
In high doses, thujone can have neurotoxic effects.
The concentration of this compound is now regulated by European legislation (maximum 35 mg/kg).
In today's absinthe, as in old authentic bottles that have been analyzed, the low levels present do not pose any particular risk.
A drink to rediscover
Far from the myth of madness, absinthe is a rich, complex, and cultural drink.
When enjoyed in moderation, it offers an exceptional range of aromas: herbal, aniseed, spicy...
So many facets that deserve to restore the green fairy to its rightful place in the heritage of spirits rather than in legends.
