Take a “trip” with us this weekend!
KIDDING. Kinda.
Our friends at Saint Lawrence Spirits are back in town, and we’ll be sampling the usual suspects AND something new to Vintage 20 Wine and Spirits: Absinthe!
There is a lot of rumor and mystery surrounding absinthe and it’s legality here in the United States, so let’s talk about that for a minute because it’s soooooo interesting!
The first noted consumption of absinthe was in Switzerland in the 18th century, but it’s popularity grew in 19th century Europe (particularly in Paris) as many famous writers, artists, and practitioners of the bohemian lifestyle considered it their drink of choice. I mean, of course it was. Depending on just how bohemian you were, your absinthe came with it’s own special spoon to melt sugar over it, by adding water or lighting it on fire. Of course. Totally normal behavior for alcohol consumption. Not.
Which Brings Me to the Downer…
Whether absinthe has, or has ever had, hallucinogenic properties is hotly debated. It’s ingredients can include anise, wormwood, fennel, and other botanicals. Absinthe also contains small amounts of the chemical compound thujone, which gives it a trace menthol flavor. This compound takes the blame for the supposed “trip” that we hear about, but it’s teeny tiny amounts are unlikely to cause actual psychedelic effects. Womp womp. It is, however, a high alcohol content spirit and I think we all have a friend or a self that is greatly affected by THAT. 
Banned in the U.S. in 1915, absinthe has only been legal here since 2007. All things considered, that is a short amount of time. And with no fanfare or hullabaloo about it’s reintroduction to bars and store shelves, absinthe is a spirit that continues to be a bit mysterious and underappreciated.
No More! Stop by this Friday, March 1st from 4 PM to 7 PM to try TWO great absinthe, lovingly crafted by Saint Lawrence Spirits. Like everything else they do, these are made with high quality ingredients and a passion for creating a superb, locally sourced spirit and it shows! You definitely do not want to miss this free tasting event. Hope to see you there.
Cheers!
WE CAN HELP! Stop by one of our famous free tasting events. We have them every Friday from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. This week it’s Barefoot Pink Moscato– a perfectly sweet wine for your sweetheart! As always, we offer at 10% discount on the featured wine during any tasting event. And if you’re feeling like saying EFF CAPITALISM, you can try and not buy. At 
The Casual Wine Taster 