I've been looking to buy a bottle of absinthe since I heard that federal restrictions surrounding the liquor had been lifted here in the states. While I could probably track down a bottle online and have it shipped to me, I'm determined to buy one in a Portland liquor store.

Following a rumor I read online, I headed down to Pearl Specialty Market & Spirits in search of one. Sadly, the only thing they had on their shelves was "absente," a bastardized version of the real-deal that's been available in the US for years now. I spoke with a clerk and he said they're still at least a few months away from carrying absinthe on their shelves. He also mentioned that two local distilleries are in the early stages of producing their own brands.

I sent an email to one, House Spirits, the makers of Medoyeff Vodka and Aviation Gin, and received a reply about a day later. I guess they're working on it but the legalities surrounding absinthe production in the states is still murky. It could be a while before it hits the streets.

All things considered, I'm thinking it could be summer before I find even an imported bottle on a local liquor store shelf.

Labels: Booze