Alcohol Content In Absinthe
There has been much controversy regarding the thujone levels in Absinthe and whether Absinthe can really make you hallucinate but what about its alcohol content – How much alcohol is in Absinthe?
All commercial alcoholic drinks are labeled to show their alcohol content so that people can make informed decisions about drinking them and how much to consume.
Alcohol content is measured by using a hydrometer. A hydrometer seems slightly like a fishing float with a thermometer attached. When the hydrometer is put in liquid it floats in the vertical direction. As it is supplied to water the water line stops at the level marked 1.The level of water increases when it is put in sugared water. In the fermenting alcohol the float moves lower due to use of hydrometer. Two measurements are taken when making alcohol – the first measurement (original gravity) is taken with the sugar but before the yeast is added and then the final reading is taken after the yeast has finished fermenting (final gravity.
Alcohol by volume is known by the following formula
The calculation of alcohol content can be done by the formula, Original gravity – Final gravity x 131 = Alcohol by volume.
Label is used for the alcohol by volume content of drinks in the EU and the United States but a few countries uses the proof. Studies show that proof is approximately twice alcohol by volume.
Different brands of Absinthe have different alcohol contents. Look at the following statistics:-
Lucid Absinthe 62% abv (124 proof)
Alcohol by volume is 53% in La Clandestine Absinthe
According to the studies Sebor contains 55% abv
Research shows that Pere Kermanns contains 60% abv
One can get 68% abv in Pernod Absinthe
The alcohol content in Mari Mayans Collectors 70 is 70% abv (140 proof)
La Fee XS Absinthe Suisse 53% abv (106 proof)
One can get 68% abv alcohol content in La Fee XS Absinthe Francaise
La Fee Bohemian 70% abv (140 proof)
One can get 68% abv alcohol content in La Fee Parisian
Kubler 53 is available with 53% abv (106 proof) of alcohol by volume
Doubs Mystique Carte D’Or 65% abv (130 proof)
Roquette 1797 contains 75% abv of alcohol
Jade PF 1901 contains 68% abv or 136 proof of alcohol volume
Jade Edouard 72% abv (144 proof)
Jade Verte Suisse 65% abv (130 proof)
Jade Nouvelle Orleans 68% abv (136 proof)
As you can see Absinthe can range from 53% abv to 75% abv, quite a difference. Now, let’s compare those levels to other alcoholic drinks:-
Absolut Blue Vodka 40% abv (80 proof)
38% abv (76 proof) is there in Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila
Alcohol in beer tends to be 4 or 5% by volume.
Alcohol by volume in Table Wine is 9-12%.
Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky contains 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof).
Everclear 95% abv (190 proof)
No other alcoholic drink seems to come close to Absinthe!
Homemade Absinthes can also vary in alcohol content. One person might mix an Absinthe essence from AbsintheKit.One can either use Absolut vodka (40% abv) or the Everclear (95% abv) .
Absinthe was banned in the 1900s because of claims that thujone, the chemical in wormwood, was like THC in the drug cannabis and that it was psychoactive and caused psychedelic effects. Any liquor can be harmful to health if drunk in heavy amount. People in Memphis have realized this and during the poll in 2006 more than 6/10 Memphis citizens had not even drunk a sip of alcohol in at least a month.
However alcohol is not harmful when drunk in moderation but it is necessary to have know about alcohol content in Absinthe and other alcoholic drinks.
