Over-hyped, overrated, and overpriced! (Absinthe)

Member Name: Mr Kipling

Product:	Absinthe
Date:	30/04/01 (999 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Erm, well ... none!

Disadvantages: Price, taste, image.

I’m sorry, but I have to stand up and say that Absinthe is possibly one of the most overrated items money can buy. It is a very strong liqueur (ranging from 60% to 85% alcohol by volume), usually green in colour, and has an aniseed flavour to it.

Traditionally, Absinthe was made with wormwood infusions, which caused hallucinations and all sorts of unwanted side effects, death being one of them. Yes, the modern stuff still contains wormwood, but at greatly reduced quantities. This means that it is much safer to drink, and the chances of you having hallucinations are pretty darned slim.

I have a number of friends who were caught up in the whole ‘Absinthe is the greatest thing in the world’ way of thinking. I decided to try it but was very unimpressed. For starters, it doesn’t taste very nice. A highly subjective comment, I know, but if you want aniseed liqueur you could buy a bottle of Oozo or Pernod for half the price.

Nevertheless, I persevered through several glasses of the stuff, prepared in the traditional manner – put one shot of Absinthe in a glass, caramelise a spoonful of sugar over the glass, and pour one shot of water over the top. I am afraid to report that I suffered no hallucinations, noticed no real difference to vodka, and no weird dreams either (well … no weirder than after any other drunken binge).

I have even partaken of a shot of Absinthe mixed into Chinese tea (which is also well known for its stimulating effects on the body), but no, aside from the vile taste it left in my mouth I experienced nothing worth the price or the praise that Absinthe receives.

If you add to this the outrageous price tag of between £30 and £60 a bottle, it is definitely not worth it. For £30 you could buy a crate of beer, a bottle of Baileys, a half bottle of vodka and some orange juice. I assure you, you will have a much better experience with the latter combination, and it will la
st considerably longer!

In short… Absinthe was originally drunk in Paris for the sole reason that it was extremely cheap (compared to the wine prices), got you drunk, and gave you hallucinations. The modern-day Absinthe will not give you hallucinations, and it is shamefully expensive. It is currently drunk for the sole reason that the consumers believe they become utterly cool by doing it.

Summary: