Information About Alcohol 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.

A hydrometer is used in the measurement of alcohol content. A hydrometer seems slightly like a fishing float with a thermometer attached. The direction of hydrometer is vertical when kept in liquid. 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. The original gravity and the final gravity of alcohol is measured while preparing it.

Alcohol by volume can be checked by this formula
Formula is Original gravity – Final gravity x 131 = Alcohol by volume.

The alcohol by volume content of drinks is shown by label both in the EU and the US. One can find proof to be approximately two times more alcohol by volume.

Different brands of Absinthe have different alcohol contents. Look at the following statistics:-

Lucid Absinthe 62% abv (124 proof)
La Clandestine Absinthe contains 53% abv (106 proof)
The alcohol content is found to be 55% in Sebor
Research shows that Pere Kermanns contains 60% abv
Pernod Absinthe contains 68% abv of alcohol
Mari Mayans Collectors 70 contains 70% abv (140 proof) of alcohol
What is La Fee XS Absinthe Suisse 53% abv (106 proof)
La Fee XS Absinthe Francaise contains 68% abv (136 proof) of alcohol
Knowledge of La Fee Bohemian 70% abv (140 proof)
The alcohol content is 68% abv in La Fee Parisian
Kubler 53 contains 53% abv (106 proof) of alcohol by volume
Doubs Mystique Carte D’Or contains 65% abv of alcohol
The availibility of alcohol content in Roquette 1797 is 75% abv
The alcohol volume in Jade PF 1901 is 68% abv
Jade Edouard 72% abv (144 proof)
Knowledge of 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)
The abv percentage is 38 in Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila
The volume of alcohol in beer is about 4 to 5%.
One can get Table Wine with 9-12% alcohol by volume.
One can get 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof) in Johnnie Walker Black Label Scotch Whisky.
Everclear 95% abv (190 proof)

No other alcoholic drink seems to come close to Absinthe!

The alcohol content can also vary in homemade Absinthes. An Absinthe essence can be mixed from AbsintheKit.com.com with Absolut vodka (40% abv) and another might make it with Everclear (95% abv) – a huge difference.

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. Although the claims that Absinthe is an hallucinogen are completely wrong but one should not forget that excess drinking of any liquor can be harmful. People in Memphis have realized this and in 2006 Memphis was the city that drank the least alcohol in the USA.

Alcohol is fine if consumed in moderation but you need to know how much alcohol is in Absinthe and other alcohol that you buy and consume.