Why would you buy this beverage? Is the spring water enough of a draw to get people to buy watered down malt-based alcohol? The Smirnoff site claims the beverage is lightly carbonated, has a slight citrus flavor and is meant to be a beer alternative or “an ultra-premium alternative to domestic beer.” Really? Have we been brainwashed enough to believe that we should buy this beverage because it has spring water? After all, that is what makes it “ultra-premium,” because it certainly isn’t the malt-based alcohol. Oh, the other thing is that it has a low alcohol content with only 3.5%. The press release explains the lower alcohol as a “response to consumer demand” and claims it to be “the first lower-alcohol flavored malt beverage on the market that fits modern lifestyles and offers adult consumers sophisticated new drinking experiences.”

So why are these Smirnoff beverages not mixed with vodka?   

My guess is that Absinthe was branded as a hallucinogen because it was favored among creative types. They claimed to create and think differently while intoxicated. These folks are naturally prone to thinking outside the box when sober. Absinthe just happened to be their drink of choice.

I’m sure there are die-hard fans of Absinthe out there that would disagree with my opinion. The reason for disagreement would probably come from the desire to protect Absinthe’s mystique. I don’t blame them for wanting to protect its history and reputation. Drinking Absinthe is an experience. After all, Absinthe has its own specially designed glass, artistically designed slotted spoons and step by step processes and recipes that are all part of the intrigue that is the Absinthe experience. Because of the steps involved with preparing the drink, it has a ritualistic feel that only adds to its mystique and magnetic effect on those who are susceptible to enjoying ritualistic encounters.

For those of us who are just plain curious about Absinthe, its flavor and mixing possibilities, Viridian LLC released a brand of Absinthe with a dose of thujone that is low enough to pass US requirements bringing authentic Absinthe back to the US for the first in almost 95 years. Currently, it is in limited supply in New York with plans for more significant quantities throughout the summer as well as online sales.