Absinthe | Uncovering the Drink's Greatest Myths

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Absinthe was the drink of choice for the literary stars of 19th century Paris. Picasso, Hemmingway, Wilde, and Van Gogh were known to sip on the green spirit as they thought in cafés, painted in their lofts, and discussed issues of the times. As potent as the alcohol was, it was a tool for creative expression, and drinking the "Green Fairy" was socially acceptable.

Absinthe Doesn't Make You Hallucinate

But like most good things in life, absinthe was abused, and after too many people got drunk off it, it was banned across the globe. Many blame the drink's effects on Wormwood, the herb that supposedly gives the drink its psychoactive effect, but recent studies have proven this assumption to be wrong. Regardless, Absinthe has since gotten a bad rep, and people shy away from it out of fear for losing their minds.

Now after 100 years of prohibition, absinthe is being legalized across the globe. In fact, it's been legal in the U.S. since 2011- and yes, it is REAL Absinthe. It contains the same amount of wormwood that was in the 19th and early 20th century bottles, and it has the same, black licorice flavor. As people become aware of the truths behind the spirit, and the unique methods for preparing and consuming the drink, it will be likely to find its place in the booming spirits market.

Reinventing Absinthe

In looking at the current alcohol industry, we're seeing a huge shift in consumer preferences. Drinkers are looking for craft beer, flavored vodka, and bitter infused cocktails. Essentially, they're looking for different flavor combinations and new experiences, and Absinthe can fit these wants. And not only does absinthe offer a unique taste for drinkers, it brings with it an exciting and historical culture that makes it attractive for beverage connoisseurs.

Absinthe has the potential to reach a new market of alcohol drinkers- especially millennials looking for something different- and it's already seeing a exponential growth and sales abroad. According to Business Insider, a French absinthe distiller has increased output from 7,200 litres to 30,000 liters in the past 15 years- a substantial boom that may begin to take rood in the U.S.

Right now you can find absinthe in specialty stores such as Total Wine, but the options are limited. Normal grocers don't sell any of it, and while the cheapest bottle might cost you $25, the average runs about $60. It's no problem that the market can't solve, demand just needs to be there. And as millennials continue to explore their drink options and experiment with new flavors, absinthe may be the next thing to get big.

You can check out some more history of absinthe and ways of drinking it in the latest Munchies video:

Tuck on Tap | Ballast Point Sculpin

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The Beer

Sculpin IPA is Ballast Point Brewing Company's signature IPA - arguably their flagship beer. Crafted in the 'beer capital' of the world - San Diego - Sculpin IPA is a testament to humble beginnings and clever experimentation. It's a home-brew that's been both locally recognized and internationally awarded (It's won 22 awards including World Beer Cup’s Gold Medal for Best International IPA in 2010 and 2014).

The Design

As you peer at the bottle you see the image of a bright orange fish with spikes on it and you may wonder, “Why is this beer named after a Sculpin?” Well, it's an ocean fish with poisonous fins that pack a strong sting to anyone, or anything, that dares to challenge it. Sure, the beer is bold, and packs a good punch for those unfamiliar to bitter IPAs. But the Sculpin fish also has some of the tastiest fillets known to mankind. It's an appropriate analogy, for a perfect seaside brew.

The Experience 

This beer such as other IPA’s is best to served into a tulip glass - this will enhance the experience. The shape of such a cup will let you smell all of the Sculpin's aromatic greatness, as your nose will sit right over the beverage as you consume it. 

The beer has clear amber-orange color with crisp white head, and it's filled with apricot, lemon, peach accents and flavors. It's flavor profile is creative, and the quality is prime.  “Hopped” at five different stages, the beer has a unique taste that goes unrivaled by any other challenger IPAs.* As you drink the beer the tropical flavors stand out, but wait a little bit and the Sculpin will “sting” you as it rolls down your drinking pipes. This beer is a perfect beer for a warm summer night, coming in strong at 7% ABV and tasty-bitterness of 70 IBU’s.

Varieties

Also I would like Ballast Point as some unique twist on this flagship brew with the Grapefruit Sculpin and Habanero Sculpin. The Grapefruit Sculpin has a lighter fresher taste, and the Habanero is like drinking fire mixed with an IPA. Give these beers a try, for what is life without experiencing, and the Ballast Point Sculpin is a must-try for all lovers of great beer.

*Hopping refers to adding of hops to the brew batch throughout the brewing process. This helps enhance the bitter taste of the beer - most commonly found in IPA’s-  to mask the sweet malty taste of barley, and pungent smell to the beverage.

by Michael Tucker