What is Lucid?
Lucid is the first genuine Absinthe made with real Grande Wormwood to be legally available in the United States in over 95 years. Lucid is made with a full measure of Grande Wormwood (Artemesia absinthium) as well as other fine European herbs.
Why was Lucid created?
Lucid was developed in France by renowned Absinthe historian and distiller T.A. Breaux. In response to a request for genuine Absinthe in the US market, Viridian Spirits, an entrepreneurial spirits company in the US, contacted Breaux and asked him to create an Absinthe for the US market. Unlike Absinthe substitutes, Lucid is crafted true to tradition with a full measure of Grande Wormwood. It is made purely from whole herbs and neutral spirits. Lucid contains NO commercial oils, essences, extracts, coloring agents or other non-traditional ingredients.
Why did you decide to bring Absinthe to the US now?
Over the last decade, Absinthe has reemerged on the European scene following its re-legalization in the EU and Switzerland. The legalization of Absinthe in Europe, as well as its recent appearance in popular culture, has lead to a resurgence of interest in the US. Consumers here are always looking for new products to try and we wanted to expand their drinking options.
What is the difference between Grande Wormwood and Southernwood (or Southern Wormwood)?
Lucid contains a full measure of Grande Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium). By contrast, other products with a claimed relationship to Absinthe contain Southernwood (Artemisia Abrotanum - sometimes referred to as Southern Wormwood). Southernwood bears little resemblance to Grande Wormwood and has a completely different flavor and chemistry. Genuine Absinthe, such as the Absinthe made during the Belle Époque period in France, has always been made with Grande Wormwood as a key ingredient. In fact, the word "Absinthe" itself is derived from the scientific name for Grande Wormwood- Artemisia absinthium.
How were you able legally to import Lucid into the US if Wormwood is illegal?
Wormwood is not illegal as long as the finished product meets applicable standards for content. We found that by adhering to the strict techniques used over a century ago, the result was not only a genuine, historically accurate product, but a product that also happens to meet US requirements relating to alcoholic beverages.
Is Wormwood responsible for hallucinations or is this a myth?
The reputation of Wormwood as a hallucinogen was promoted by many of the forces seeking to demonize absinthe in the early 1900's. It is generally regarded to be a myth. In any event, we believe that if you consume Lucid responsibly and in moderation, there should be no unusual effects.
Does Lucid contain Thujone?
Lucid contains an amount of thujone that is within the legal limits set by the US regulatory authorities. Any product that comes to the US containing Grande Wormwood must also meet those same requirements, which are similar to the requirements of many other countries. Lucid also meets the thujone requirements of the European Union. According to extensive research conducted by T.A. Breaux, contrary to some common misconceptions, it was not unusual for genuine, high-quality absinthe from the Belle Epoqué period also to contain levels of thujone that would, today, be within US and EU regulatory limits. T.A. Breaux collected vintage absinthe bottles from estate sales and applied modern chemical analysis and determined the thujone content of vintage absinthe was much lower than was commonly believed. His research has been well documented and his findings remain generally undisputed.
Is Lucid safe to consume?
As with all alcoholic beverages, Lucid should be consumed in moderation, particularly because it contains 62% alcohol. Aside from the alcohol content, however, nothing about Lucid is less "safe" than any other alcoholic beverage. We strongly recommend diluting Lucid before consuming. We always encourage our customers to drink responsibly. Moreover, never use Lucid near open flame or ignite Lucid, intentionally or otherwise - this is NOT a traditional way to prepare Absinthe and can be very dangerous.
Where is Lucid distilled?
Lucid is distilled in the historical Combier Distillery in Saumur, France (in the heart of the fabled Loire Valley) using the distillery's original antique copper Absinthe stills and apparatus, much of which was designed by Gustav Eiffel.
How did you come up with the bottle design?
Viridian Spirits worked with a top French designer who was familiar with Absinthe's past, but understood our desire to give the bottle a modern twist. The idea of using the cat's eyes came from a famous cabaret called "Le Chat Noir", which first opened in Montmartre, Paris in 1881. Several poets, including Verlaine and Rimbaud, used to spend their nights at Le Chat Noir drinking Absinthe. There was also a song named after this cabaret that is still part of the traditional Parisian song repertoire today.
How does Lucid get its color?
Lucid's green color occurs naturally as a result of its herbal ingredients, without any artificial coloring added - a key feature of genuine absinthe. This natural color requires Lucid's dark bottle because exposure to light could destroy the natural color, and explains why so many traditional absinthes are in dark colored bottles. This natural color also explains why Lucid's color may appear slightly different from one bottle to the next. In fact, subtle variations in color have always been considered the hallmark of high-quality, genuine Absinthe. In the Belle Époque period it actually distinguished a genuine Absinthe from an imitation or artificially colored product.
Why does Lucid turn cloudy when you add water?
Pouring cold water into the glass releases essential oils from the mixture, which unlocks the bouquet of flavors found in Lucid and turns the liquid a milky, emerald green. When the Absinthe turns cloudy we say that it "louches".
How should Lucid be prepared?
Although there are many cocktail preparations available on this website, we suggest you first try Lucid in the traditional French manner: pour 1.25-1.5 oz. of Lucid into an appropriate glass. Then place a sugar cube atop a flat, perforated spoon that rests on the rim of the glass. (Note that the sugar and the spoon are optional as Lucid has a subtle, natural sweetness without adding sugar). Slowly drip 4-5 oz. of ice cold water on top of the sugar cube (or directly into the glass), which slowly dissolves into the Absinthe. The cold water causes Lucid to louche into an opalescent cloud as the herbal essences emerge from the Absinthe and perfume the room. Traditionally the ice cold water is dispensed from a classic Absinthe fountain. Coming soon, we will offer the ability to purchase such fountains through our website.
Where can I purchase Lucid?
Lucid is widely available in the United States, with additional states being added monthly. Get it locally at Break Away II Sports Lounge in Hagerstown, Maryland.