One of the main reasons why your absinthe didn't taste good is probably because you didn't distill it again after soaking the herbs; which is what was done traditionally. As for why it is not potent... even if the correct wormwood was used, it could be several years old. Maybe harvested five years ago. Sat around in the open for a while exposed to light and air... then ground up and left to to sit for later, etc.. Maybe all the thujone oxidized.
Although you can't buy it in liquor stores in the states... you can order the stuff online from overseas legally. There are some really nice French ones out there, as well as the Czech knock-off newbie brands.
As far as thujone being found in sage... You must be referring to Artemisia sage (the kind indians burn like incense), not the Salvia sage used in cooking. Either way, I don't know if I would put that in my absinthe.
If you don't want to fork over the money to import some, I would buy or make your own still. Which is not too hard to do. Then try making it again with the freshest herbs you can find. I think the result will be more rewarding.  |