Absinthe that was produced in the 1800s, when it got its reputation for being a uniquely dangerous substance that caused mind-altering effects, was simply a much stronger alcohol than commercial liquors produced today.

What alcohol is stronger than absinthe?

With a whopping 95% abv, Spirytus Vodka is the strongest commercially-available spirit in the world.

Why is absinthe so bad?

Absinthe has often been portrayed as a dangerously addictive psychoactive drug and hallucinogen. The chemical compound thujone, which is present in the spirit in trace amounts, was blamed for its alleged harmful effects.