How To Identify Real Absinthe Vs Fake

So, there I was, at this swanky little bar in Paris, trying to channel my inner Hemingway. I'd heard absinthe was the nectar of the gods, and I was ready to take the plunge. The bartender, a guy named Pierre with a mustache that could give Tom Selleck a run for his money, poured me a glass. It was a beautiful, emerald green, and it louched beautifully as he added water. I took a sip, and... well, let's just say it wasn't the life-changing experience I'd been led to believe. It tasted like licorice-flavored hand sanitizer. I'd been had. I'd been served fake absinthe.

Now, I'm no absinthe connoisseur, but I'm not alone in getting duped. Fake absinthe is a real problem, and it's high time we talked about how to spot the real deal. So, grab your slotted spoon and let's dive in.

First Things First: What's Absinthe Anyway?

Absinthe is an anise-flavored spirit derived from botanicals like wormwood, fennel, and anise. It's got a rich history, but it's also had a bad rap thanks to its association with, well, let's call them 'creative types' who maybe enjoyed it a little too much. But that's a story for another time.

Real Absinthe: The Good Stuff

Real absinthe is made from a specific recipe that includes grand wormwood, which gives it its signature bitterness. It's also high in alcohol content, usually around 45-74% ABV. The real deal louches beautifully when water is added, turning a cloudy, opalescent white. And it should taste like anise, not like you've been chewing on a black jellybean.

Fake Absinthe: The Imposter

Fake absinthe, on the other hand, is often just anise-flavored liqueur, with a lower alcohol content and no wormwood. Some might even be colored green with food dye. They might look the part, but they sure don't taste it.

How to Tell the Difference

Alright, so how do you spot the real McCoy? Here are some tips:

Check the Label

Real absinthe should have 'Absinthe' or 'Absinth' on the label. If it says 'Absenta' or 'Absenthe', it's likely not the real deal. Also, look for the words 'Thujone' or 'Wormwood' in the ingredients. If they're not there, it's probably fake.

Absinthe VS Fauxinthe Tasting - Afterwork Networking & Mingling

The Louche Test

This is the most reliable way to tell if your absinthe is the real thing. When you add ice-cold water to real absinthe, it should louche, or turn cloudy. This is due to the essential oils in the absinthe emulsifying with the water. Fake absinthe might louche a little, but it won't be as dramatic.

The Taste Test

Real absinthe has a unique, bitter taste thanks to the wormwood. If it tastes like black licorice or anise, that's a good sign. But if it's sweet and syrupy, it's likely fake. Remember, absinthe is a spirit, not a liqueur.

The Color Test

Real absinthe should be a beautiful, emerald green. If it's blue, yellow, or any other color, it's likely been dyed. Some real absinthes might be clear or have a slight yellow tinge, but they should never be blue.

But What About Those 'Legal' Fakes?

Some countries have restrictions on absinthe due to its thujone content. In the US, for example, absinthe can't contain more than 10mg/kg of thujone. This has led to some 'legal' fakes that comply with the letter of the law but not the spirit (pun intended). They might be wormwood-free or have very low thujone content. The best way to avoid these is to stick with brands you know and trust.

So, there you have it. Next time you're in a bar, or better yet, a little absinthe bar in Paris, you'll know how to spot the real deal. And remember, if it tastes like a black jellybean, it's probably not absinthe. It's probably just a black jellybean. Cheers!