A U.S. appeals court on Friday declared unconstitutional a nearly 158-year-old federal ban on home distilling, calling it an unnecessary and improper means for Congress to exercise its power to tax.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled in favor of the nonprofit Hobby Distillers Association and four of its 1,300 members.
They argued that people should be free to distill spirits at home, whether as a hobby or for personal consumption including, in one instance, to create an apple-pie-vodka recipe.
The ban was part of a law passed during Reconstruction in July 1868, in part to thwart liquor tax evasion, and subjected violators to up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The way i learned it is that it is blueacid that can poison you. That would usually kill you but when the concentration is so low it leads to blindness or you turning into a vegetable.
Can happen only if you ferment/distill fruits that contain kernels because thats where a high concentration exists. Especially strong in lemons and oranges (citrusfruits).
Basically, you could remove the kernels before distilling and you will probably never have an issue with said substance.
Another fun fact: If you create a strong absinth you can abort a child when the pregnancy is very early. Its still wiser to consult a specialist tho. Im talking about a 85-90 Vol.% absinth and a high amount relative to ones bloodamount.