Bohemian Absinth

Editor's note: from http://www.associatedcontent.com/

by: Scott Kessman

Many people often confuse absinthe with Bohemian absinth, which utilizes a somewhat different recipe and is absent of some of the ingredients that comprise traditional absinthe. Bohemian absinth can often be recognized

 as such by the absence of the 'e' found at the end of traditional 'absinthe'.

Bohemian absinthe is produced mainly in the Czech Republic, and the most noticeable difference from regular absence is the flavor. The Czech recipes for bohemian absinthe do not normally contain anise, which gives absinthe its distinctive black licorice flavor. As Bohemian absinthe started to become more popular, more countries and companies began producing their own blends in order to capitalize on the absinthe craze. Many consumers are unaware of the differences between the two drinks.

Besides lacking anise, bohemian absinthe typically does not contain fennel and other herbs also found in traditional absinthe. Additionally, there is usually no distillation process; rather, high-proof alcohol is blended with a mixture of herbs or herbal oils. The drink does contain wormwood, an essential component of traditional absinthe, and is also sometimes referred to as wormwood bitters.

Many are attracted to absinthe after hearing stories of hallucinogenic properties or other strange effects that result from the consumption of the ingredient thujone. This was originally the reason for the ban of absinthe in several countries, though the United States and others have since relaxed their rules, allowing absinthe and Bohemian absinthe that contain thujone in a moderated quantity. However, some Czech Republic brands and others produced in other countries have advertised high levels of thujone, in order increase the allure of the drink.

Because the recipe for bohemian absinth is also absent of some of the ingredients in absinthe that render the traditional form of the drink illegal in some parts of the world, bohemian absinthe is now gaining in popularity as a suitable alternative. In fact, several brands of bohemian absinthe can now often be found easily in liquor stores and served in bars.