Thujones are monoterpenes and ketones found in wormwood. Thujone is capable to act on the GABA receptors of the brain and, when consumed in massive amounts absinthekit.com, is claimed to possess a psycho active response causing convulsions as well as muscle spasms. Thujone is likewise toxic and is considered to harm the cells of both the liver as well as brain.
In past times it was reported that thujone was similar to THC in cannabis and that it had become psychoactive and triggered psychedelic effects, this claim has now been discovered to be false.
It was believed, in the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century, that Absinthe comprised large amounts of thujone, approximately 350mg per liter. Tests and studies on classic bottles of Absinthe have dispelled this myth. Pre ban Absinthe just covered a maximum of 6mg.
Today, there are laws in the majority of countries that control 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 authorized in alcoholic beverages which has an ABV over 25%.
– up to 25mg/kg is allowed in food that contains sage.
– up to 35mg/kg is allowed in alcohol based drinks when they carry the label “bitters”.
US law states that alcohol based drinks should be “thujone free” but this actually means that they need to incorporate 10mg/kg or less of thujone.
If we purchase commercial Absinthe that is in accordance with these laws, we understand that the Absinthe contains 10mg/kg or a reduced amount of thujone.
Alcohol – How Much Does Absinthe Have?
Alcohol content is dependent upon the brand of Absinthe. Here 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 can see, Absinthe is an extremely strong liquor, specially when we compare it to fermented beverages like beer that has an abv of 4 or 5% or table wine which 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 great wormwood content and thus a relatively bitter flavor. The essences from AbsintheKit.com make an Absinthe with a thujone content of 35mg per 750ml bottle made or, if you use their strong essence, 55mg per bottle.
As far as homemade kits and alcohol content are involved, all of it will depend on what neutral alcohol base you choose. Everclear includes a typical abv of 95% whereas Absolut Vodka has an abv of 40%, fairly a difference.
Hopefully this info has resolved the question “How much does Absinthe have?”.