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 choose the right one for them.
A hydrometer is used in the measurement of alcohol content. A hydrometer looks partially like a fishing float with a thermometer attached. The direction of hydrometer is vertical when kept in liquid. The water line will be at the level marked 1 after putting it in water.The level of water increases when it is put in sugared water. As the sugar is eaten by the yeast when the hydrometer is used in fermenting alcohol the float moves lower. One has to calculate the original gravity and then the final gravity of alcohol.
This formula is used to get the volume of alcohol
A person can use the formula Original gravity – Final gravity x 131 = Alcohol by volume to calculate the alcohol content.
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)
Alcohol by volume is 53% in La Clandestine Absinthe
One can get 55% abv in Sebor
Pere Kermanns 60% abv (120 proof)
Pernod Absinthe contains 68% abv of alcohol
Mari Mayans Collectors 70 is available with 70% abv (140 proof) of alcohol
Tips about La Fee XS Absinthe Suisse 53% abv (106 proof)
La Fee XS Absinthe Francaise 68% abv (136 proof)
Knowledge of La Fee Bohemian 70% abv (140 proof)
One can get 68% abv alcohol content in La Fee Parisian
Kubler 53 53% abv (106 proof)
The alcohol content in Doubs Mystique Carte D’Or is 65% abv
Roquette 1797 75% abv (150 proof)
Jade PF 1901 68% abv (136 proof)
The alcohol content in Jade Edouard is 72% abv (144 proof)
What is 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)
Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila is available with 38% abv (76 proof)
The alcohol content in beer can be 4 to 5%.
There is 9-12% alcohol by volume in Table Wine.
The alcohol by volume is 40% 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 differ in homemade Absinthes. One can visit AbsintheKit.com to mix an Absinthe essence.Absolut vodka contains 40% abv and the Everclear contains 95% abv alcohol.
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. The excess intake of any drink can be a danger to health. People in Memphis have realized this and, in 2006, Memphis was the city that drank the least alcohol in the USA – more than 6/10 Memphis citizens had not even consumed a sip of alcohol in at least a month when they were polled.
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.