Absinthe Perfume

What does the word Absinthe mean?

The word "wormwood" originates from the Latin "absinthium," which in turn derives from the Greek "apsinthion." This term originally referred to a bitter medicinal plant known as mugwort, which was used in ancient times for its medicinal properties. Absinthe, as an alcoholic beverage, takes its name from this plant, as it was one of the key ingredients used to flavor and color the liqueur.

In the beginning…

The history and origin of wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium) dates back to ancient times, when it was already known as a medicinal plant.
Over the centuries, knowledge of the properties of wormwood spread to different cultures, and it was used for various purposes, including as a remedy for parasites, fevers, and stomach aches.

However, it was in the 18th and 19th centuries that absinthe as we know it today was born. In Switzerland, in the early 18th century, a doctor named Pierre Ordinaire developed a recipe that combined medicinal plants, including mugwort, with alcohol. This drink was considered a remedy for various ailments. Over time, its popularity grew, and his recipe was passed down and modified.
In the 19th century, absinthe became an iconic drink of cultural and artistic life in Europe, particularly in the bohemian circles of Paris. It was prized by many artists, writers, and poets, who nicknamed it "the green fairy" due to its distinctive emerald green color. It was often associated with a complex preparation ritual, with the addition of fresh water and sugar to make it sweeter and more pleasant to drink.

Good to know!

Absinthe has also attracted controversy and criticism, with accusations of causing hallucinations and adverse health effects. These allegations led to its ban in many countries in the early 20th century. Later studies showed that the effects of absinthe were exaggerated and attributed largely to its high alcohol content rather than the presence of thujone, a substance found in mugwort.

Today, absinthe is once again legal in many countries and is prized by spirits connoisseurs for its unique flavor and fascinating history. Production methods have been modernized while respecting time-honored traditions, and absinthe continues to be an intriguing drink, associated with the artistic and cultural heritage of 19th-century Europe.

The production of Absinthe

Absinthe production is a traditional process that dates back centuries. It begins with harvesting the plants that make up this iconic beverage, including mugwort, green anise, fennel, and other aromatic herbs. Once harvested, these plants are dried and carefully blended according to specific recipes to create a unique herbal blend that will be used for distillation.

Distillation is a crucial step in the production of absinthe. The herbal mixture is placed in a still, where it is slowly heated to release the essential oils and aromas of the plants. The aromatic vapor is then cooled and condensed to obtain a concentrated liquid, called "spirit of absinthe. "

Once the absinthe spirit is obtained, it is often diluted with water to achieve the desired alcohol content. Some absinthes are also naturally colored with additional herbs, giving the drink its characteristic green hue.

Absinthe production is subject to strict standards in many countries, as the drink has long been associated with hallucinogenic effects attributed to the presence of the wormwood plant. Today, absinthe is prized for its unique flavors and special drinking rituals, but it must adhere to specific regulations to ensure its safety and quality.

UNUSUAL ! A fun fact about absinthe is that this drink was associated with an artistic and cultural movement called "Absinthe-mania" in the 19th century. Many artists, writers, and poets, such as Vincent van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Charles Baudelaire, were known to be great absinthe lovers. It was even believed that absinthe could stimulate the creativity and imagination of artists.

However, the drink has also been criticized for its potentially harmful health effects and its association with excessive behavior. This period of fascination with absinthe contributed to its popularity and controversial reputation throughout history.

What did you know about absinthe in perfumery?

To obtain absinthe used in perfumery, the leaves and flowers of the mugwort plant are carefully harvested, dried and distilled to extract the rich essential oils.

During the distillation process, the essential oils of wormwood are separated from other plant compounds to obtain a pure and concentrated essence. This wormwood essence is then used as a key note in perfume creation, bringing its herbal freshness, subtle bitterness, and nuances reminiscent of the green fairy.

The use of absinthe in perfumery is a fascinating practice that adds a unique and intriguing touch to olfactory compositions. Absinthe brings a herbaceous and aromatic note, reminiscent of the bitterness of the plants that make up this iconic beverage.

Its olfactory profile is often described as fresh, invigorating and slightly mysterious.

In perfumery, absinthe is often combined with fresh, green notes such as galbanum, mint, or violet leaf. It can also be combined with spicy notes such as pepper or cardamom to enhance its enigmatic character. Absinthe also blends harmoniously into floral arrangements, bringing an intriguing dimension to delicate bouquets.

With its aromatic and herbaceous character, absinthe adds a dynamic and invigorating dimension to perfumes, making them captivating and unexpected. Its skillful use in olfactory creations allows for unique sensory experiences, where the delicate bitterness of absinthe blends with other notes to form refined and captivating accords. In short, absinthe in perfumery is an invitation to explore original and bold scents that awaken the senses and leave a memorable impression.

Some legendary absinthe flavors...

• Fou d'Absinthe eau de parfum by L'Artisan Parfumeur

• A Taste of Heaven by By Kilian

• Absinthe Boréale by Crivelli

• Beautiful Absinthe from Roos&Roos