Why is Absinthe so expensive?

Question

It's not like it's illegal or anything.

Answer 1

cause its a stronger alcohol. and the more alcohol it has in it the more expensive it is

Answer 2

high alcohol content

it fuc*s u up!!

Answer 3

Real artisanal European absinthe is very expensive. It is a combination of factors: 1. It is made in very small batches 2.The alcohol base is high quality. 3. The herbs (grande wormwood in particular) is difficult to cultivate to obtain a distinctive unique absinthe.

With USA absinthes they must also test <10ppm thujone (that's in grande wormwood) and that requires chemical extraction and lab testing to comply with FDA regulations as well!

The high proof is also subject to higher taxation.

Many modern absinthes are just oil mixes and made up in big metals tanks and they are not so expensive actually.

Answer 4

I don't know, but that's why I don't drink it.  

I guess it's the mystique.  It runs high.

Answer 5

because it is hard to import into the US and then it is even harder to find. Low supply means high price, also it is made by a handful of factories around the world.

Answer 6

After over 70 years of being illegal in the U.S., it is now not only legal, but it is being here in the U.S. by at least one company: the folks who make Hangar One Vodka and other alcohols.

One reason it's expensive is "cachet:" it's 's**y' or something in people's minds. Frankly, I was at Hangar One the first day that they could legally sell it ($75.00 US for a 750 mL. bottle) and I paid $10 for a small glass of it...it tasted like sh*t to me, and I'm glad I didn't shell out the $75.00 for a bottle.

It's made in small batches at a small distillery and its snob appeal, historical roots, mythology, etc., have found an audience that will pay big money for the stuff. But hey: if it "floats your boat," go for it.

You can Google "Hangar One" and see all that they have to offer and get their hours and directions. Their tasting room and sales area are open 6 days a week from about noon 'til 7:30 pm and well worth a visit, ESPECIALLY in the winter, when it gets dark early and you have a GREAT view across the water of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge.

And as far as I know, it's NOT being imported... so there!

Answer 7

low production, low supply... new product to the US

the amount of alcohol has little to do with the price.  ethanol, the alcohol in all alcoholic beverages, is produced naturally by yeast.  it's far from a scarce resource.  proof?  everclear is 190 proof and among the cheapest liquors -- so why isn't premium vodka like $5?