Thujones are monoterpenes and ketones seen in wormwood. Thujone is known to act on the GABA receptors of the brain and, when consumed in massive amounts absinthekit, is claimed to have a psycho active response leading to convulsions as well as muscle spasms. Thujone is additionally toxic and is believed to injure the cells of both the liver and also brain.
In past times it was believed that thujone was similar to THC in cannabis and that it was psychoactive and triggered psychedelic effects, this claim has now been found to be false.
It was thought, in the late 19th century and early twentieth century, that Absinthe contained huge amounts of thujone, as much as 350mg per liter. Tests and studies on antique bottles of Absinthe have dispelled this myth. Pre ban Absinthe just covered at the most 6mg.
Today, you can find laws in most countries that control thujone content in alcohol.
EU law is:-
– up to 5mg/kg is permitted in alcohol based drinks having an ABV, alcohol by volume, of 25% or less.
– up to 10mg/kg of thujone is permitted in alcoholic beverages having an ABV over 25%.
– up to 25mg/kg is authorized in food that contains sage.
– up to 35mg/kg is authorized in alcoholic beverages when they carry the label “bitters”.
US law states that alcoholic beverages must be “thujone free” but this actually signifies that they must consist of 10mg/kg or a smaller amount of thujone.
If we buy commercial Absinthe that is in accordance with these laws, we all know that the Absinthe consists of 10mg/kg or less of thujone.
Alcohol – How Much Does Absinthe Have?
Alcohol content depends on the brand of Absinthe. Here are the alcohol contents of a number of 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, especially when we compare it to fermented beverages like beer which contains an abv of 4 or 5% or table wine which is 9-12%.
How about homemade Absinthe?
Some Absinthe kits promise to make an Absinthe having a thujone content of 80-90mg. This may have a high wormwood content and therefore a rather bitter flavor. The essences from AbsintheKit.com make an Absinthe that has a thujone content of 35mg per 750ml bottle made or, if you use their strong essence, 55mg per bottle.
So far as homemade kits and alcohol content are involved, all this will depend on what neutral alcohol base you choose. Everclear has a typical abv of 95% whereas Absolut Vodka has an abv of 40%, somewhat a difference.
Hopefully this information has resolved the question “How much does Absinthe have?”.