Thujones are monoterpenes and ketones present in wormwood. Thujone is recognized to act about the GABA receptors of the brain and, when consumed in large volumes absinthekit, is claimed to have a psycho active response leading to convulsions as well as muscle spasms. Thujone is additionally toxic and is thought to damage the cells of both the liver and brain.
Previously it was claimed that thujone looked like THC in cannabis and that it had been psychoactive and brought on psychedelic effects, this claim has been found to be false.
It was assumed, in the late nineteenth century and early 20th century, that Absinthe was comprised of considerable amounts of thujone, as much as 350mg per liter. Tests and studies on vintage bottles of Absinthe have dispelled this myth. Pre ban Absinthe just contained no more than 6mg.
Today, there are laws in most countries that regulate thujone content in alcohol.
EU law is:-
– up to 5mg/kg is allowed in alcoholic beverages with an ABV, alcohol by volume, of 25% or less.
– up to 10mg/kg of thujone is allowed in alcoholic beverages which has an ABV over 25%.
– up to 25mg/kg is allowed in food containing sage.
– up to 35mg/kg is authorized in alcohol based drinks if they carry the label “bitters”.
US law states that alcoholic beverages must be “thujone free” but this actually signifies that they must have 10mg/kg or a reduced amount of thujone.
If we acquire commercial Absinthe that conforms with these laws, we understand that the Absinthe is made up of 10mg/kg or less of thujone.
Alcohol – How Much Does Absinthe Have?
Alcohol content depends on the brand of Absinthe. Listed below are the alcohol contents of several well-known brands:-
Lucid Absinthe 62% abv (124 proof)
La Clandestine Absinthe 53% abv (106 proof)
Sebor 55% abv (110 proof)
Pere Kermanns 60% abv (120 proof)
Pernod Absinthe 68% abv (136 proof0
Mari Mayans Collectors 70 70% abv (140 proof)
La Fee XS Absinthe Suisse 53% abv (106 proof)
La Fee XS Absinthe Francaise 68% abv (136 proof)
La Fee Bohemian 70% abv (140 proof)
La Fee Parisian 68% abv (136 proof)
Kubler 53 53% abv (106 proof)
Doubs Mystique Carte D’Or 65% abv (130 proof)
Roquette 1797 75% abv (150 proof)
Jade PF 1901 68% abv (136 proof)
Jade Edouard 72% abv (144 proof)
Jade Verte Suisse 65% abv (130 proof)
As you have seen, Absinthe is a very strong liquor, particularly when we compare it to fermented beverages like beer that has an abv of 4 or 5% or table wine that is 9-12%.
What about homemade Absinthe?
Some Absinthe kits guarantee to create an Absinthe having a thujone content of 80-90mg. This may have a superior wormwood content and thus a rather bitter flavor. The essences from AbsintheKit.com make an Absinthe having a thujone content of 35mg per 750ml bottle made or, if you utilize their strong essence, 55mg per bottle.
So far as homemade kits and alcohol content are involved, it all depends upon what neutral alcohol base you employ. Everclear features a typical abv of 95% whereas Absolut Vodka comes with an abv of 40%, quite a difference.
I hope that this information has answered the question “How much does Absinthe have?”.