As a sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question of whether real absinthe is available in the United States. It is important to note that while absinthe is not a controlled substance in the US, its sale in bars and liquor stores is banned. However, it is still legal to purchase and possess absinthe in the country.
The history of absinthe in the United States is a complex one, with a long period of prohibition and subsequent regulations. In the early 20th century, absinthe was banned in many countries, including the US, due to concerns over its alleged hallucinogenic properties and its association with bohemian culture. This led to a ban on the production and importation of absinthe in the US.
However, in 2007, the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) lifted the ban on absinthe, allowing its importation and production. The TTB set certain regulations for absinthe, stating that it must be “thujone-free” or contain less than 10 parts per million of thujone, a compound found in wormwood, one of the main ingredients of absinthe. This regulation was based on the belief that thujone was the compound responsible for the alleged hallucinogenic effects of absinthe.
Since then, a number of distilleries in the US have started producing absinthe, adhering to the TTB regulations. These American absinthes may not have the same historical significance or traditional production methods as their European counterparts, but they can still provide a unique and enjoyable drinking experience.
It is worth mentioning that the TTB regulations only apply to domestically produced absinthe. Imported absinthes are subject to different regulations and may have varying levels of thujone. In most of the European Union, absinthe may be sold as long as it stays within the 35mg limit of thujone.
In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to taste both domestic and imported absinthes in the US. While the traditional European absinthes often have a stronger anise flavor and a more complex herbal profile, some American absinthes can also offer delightful flavors and aromas. It is a matter of personal preference and exploring different brands and styles to find the one that suits your taste.
Real absinthe is indeed available in the United States, although its sale in bars and liquor stores is banned. However, it is legal to purchase and possess absinthe in the country. American absinthes, produced under the TTB regulations, as well as imported absinthes with varying levels of thujone, can provide a range of flavors and experiences for those interested in this historical and intriguing spirit.