An analysis of century-old bottles of absinthe -- the kind once quaffed by the likes of van Gogh and Picasso to enhance their creativity -- may end the controversy over what ingredient caused the green liqueur's supposed mind-altering effects. The culprit seems plain and simple: The century-old absinthe contained about 70 percent alcohol, giving it a 140-proof kick. In comparison, most gins, vodkas and whiskeys are just 80- to 100-proof.
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