Oakland absinthe co. seeking federal OK
An absinthe maker based in Oakland is seeking federal approval to become the first Maine-based producer of the highly alcoholic spirit.
The Morning Sentinel reported Tree Spirits, co-owned by Bruce Olson and Waterville Mayor Karen Heck, plans to use a traditional 19th-century recipe from France to produce their apple-based alcoholic drink.
Olson told the paper he’s not worried whether the alcohol the company produces will meet federal standards, which are more strict for the 120-proof absinthe than other types of alcohol. The product will need to get approval for its levels of the chemical thujone, a compound derived from the ingredient wormwood and charged with being psychoactive. Regulators also will vet the labeling to make sure it does not imply mind-altering effects for would-be absinthe drinkers.
Olson said he expects approval on thujone levels soon and will send in the company labels immediately after for the review that takes up to 45 days.
When ready for the shelves, Olson said the high-end product will likely retail for around $75 per bottle, produced in small batches.
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