The distillation of absinthe...
November 12, 2008 by admin
The distillation of absinthe is only an unimportant feature of the industry at Nyons but its production and use in the form of liqueur are so rapidly increasing and with such unfortunate results in certain quarters that the subject may fitly be included in the present topic. There are two species of the absinthe plant the large and small which are used respectively in the manufacture of absinthe liqueurs and vermouth The larger of these Artemisia absinthium otherwise known as wormwood grows abundantly in various districts of Central Europe notably in Jura and French Alps. In manufacturing the liqueur the upper leaves and twigs of the plant are macerated with hyssop, calamus, citronelle, anise, fennel, badiane, and other vegetable substances. The decoction thus obtained is distilled and the product treated with alcohol sugar and various coloring matters. Absinthe is a powerful but destructive nerve stimulant which may be valuable in cases of exhaustion or extreme fatigue but like chloral and opium it is liable to abuses which in the aggregate far outweigh all the benefits which are derived from its legitimate use. The effects of general and unrestrained absinthe drinking in this country are coming to be recognized as forming the basis of one of the gravest dangers that now threaten the physical and moral welfare of the people.
In the present advanced stage of the art of mixing a rude but salable form of absinthe liqueur can be made by using the essential oil of wormwood instead of the leaves and stems of the plant and this has given during recent years a stimulant to the business of distilling it but the product in this particular district is small and relatively unimportant.
United States Congressional Serial Set, By United States Government Printing Office
