Is is it legal to import Absinthe in the United States?

Question

I've read that it's illegal but heard that it's legal. Which is it? I want to try it, and I'm not going to settle for the fake stuff.

Answer 1

It's not but it should be. Very addictive/totally lethal

Answer 2

Absinthe was banned in France in 1915 because it was presumed that the main ingredient, Artemesia Absinthium (wormwood) was causing insanity, paranoia and other mental problems among the Parisian artisans who famously consumed a lot of the stuff. In fact, it was probably alcoholism that was doing the damage.

Absinthe is really a form of Pastis. It is not designed to be drunk straight, rather, one should 'louche' it into cold water (drip it slowly to form an opaque suspension) to create a quite pleasant herbal drink.

Absinthe has never been illegal in the USA (except, of course, during prohibition) and the hallucinogenic properties of wormwood that are so well documented in arguments against the drink are negligible, to the point that most scientists agree them to be myth. The difficulty with buying absinthe is that is still not regulated. The definition of an absinthe is so broad that, for the past 20 years or so, many producers of 'absinthe' were simply selling what could be described as a flavoured and coloured vodka. In 1997, a company called Fee Verte (Green Fairy - the 'belle epoque' slang name for absinthe) began producing 'real' absinthe, based on recipes from the turn of the 20th century. These spirits are designed and modeled to taste very similar to the original drink consumed a hundred years ago.

Visit their website at www.feeverte.net for more information. I know that you can order online but I'm afraid I don't know if they ship to the USA. There is also more info about the history of absinthe and how to drink it.
Another good source is www.oxygenee.com
The latter is the best online resource about absinthe and pastis and will help dispel any myths you may have been told. It is compiled by real enthusiasts and experts so should answer all your questions.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Edward's reply is a good overview, one correction, pastis was created as an absinthe substitute after the ban, so absinthe isn't a form of pastis but pastis is a reformulated form of absinthe.

Now to the question,
Yes, no, maybe. Absinthe is listed on customs "prohibited" list, based on an FDA regulation (as opposed to being illegal like a scheduled drug). So it can be seized by customs if found. When seized it will either be sent back or destroyed. No one I know of has been fined or charged with anything over a seized bottle. Some companies guarantee their shipments.

Answer 4

The one they sell here is not the same as the real one. You still have to smuggle in the "real" stuff, even though at first glance the bottles look similar.

My boyfriend brought some back from Lebanon the last time he went. I'm not much of a drinker to start with but this suff tasted so foul I couldnt drink more than a shot.

Answer 5

Absinthe is horrible...trust me! It was illegal because of it's alcohol content, but rather the horrible side effects from consuming it! Just kiddin, but seriously think twice before investing in a bottle.

Answer 6

absinthe has essence of wormwood in it. it can be a powerful hallucinogenic, or a poison. you can get absinthe from some very high end specialty stores, but you must be choosy.....and know what you are getting. it has a kinda greenish glow to it. and it really tastes bad.

Answer 7

It used to be illegal, it's not anymore.

Answer 8

I saw it on the shelf at the liquor store the other day so it is legal now.

Answer 9

i think its illegal. its pretty scary stuff.

yewah i know napolean, etc.