Welcome back dear Absintheur, as always we want to give you some interesting background information about our favorite drink, Absinthe. Therefore, we will find today an answer to the question of why Absinthe can lose its green color over time? We have received some questions regarding this topic. Let’s get right into it!
Coloration of Absinthe: The two methods
Before we can understand why Absinthe looses its green color, we have to gain insights into how Absinthe gets its color. There are two coloration methods, which can give Absinthe its green color. We divide between (1.) naturally and (2.) artificially given color. The names are pretty up front: Some Absinthes gain green color by adding coloring botanicals (the superior, more traditional way), others by adding artificial colors (the cheaper, inferior procedure).
If an Absinthe is artificially colored it has to be stated on the label. But you can also detect it by looking at the Absinthe itself. If it has a very bright, nuclear-green color, it’s artificially colored.
Naturally colored Absinthes get their green by the process of maceration. Which means coloring herbs are put into the crystal clear distillate after distillation. The chlorophyll is set free and gives the Absinthe its color. The coloration also influences the taste. Very (naturally) green Absinthes often taste more herbal.
Why does Absinthe lose its color: The answer
In general, we can say it is a sad moment, if you realize that your initially green Absinthe has lost its color. However, we must also say that it happens to the best. It is not a sign of inferior quality. There is one major reason for the color loss: The loss of color appears, if Absinthe is exposed to the sun. The ultraviolet rays dissolve the chlorophyll. The loss of color doesn’t take place immediately, moreover it is a process: The green color turns into a greenish-yellow and ultimately becomes a cognac-brown. Once again, this is no sign of inferior quality. It simply is the natural process and indicates, that you have bought a bottle of the traditional, natural Green Fairy.
If you want to protect your Absinthe from losing its green color, store it in a dark place and buy Absinthes in dark bottles. But even that will only slow down the process. After a while, even the greenest Absinthe will mature and get brown. This means as well that no green pre-ban Absinthe exists. What do we learn from it? You have to drink your green Absinthe faster, at least so fast, that it doesn’t change color 🙂
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Much Love,
Nico from the ALANDIA Team