Hood River Distillers, an Oregon-based importer, producer, bottler and marketer of distilled spirits, has purchased Lucid Absinthe Superieure from Viridian Spirits of New York for an undisclosed amount.

Produced at the Combier Distillery in Saumur, France, the brand was initially launched in 2007 and was known to be the first absinthe brand to be released legally in the US since the spirit was banned in 1912.

Back then, absinthe was thought to have adverse effects, which lead to the market legalisation of the spirit.

Hood River Distillers president and CEO Ronald Dodge told just-drinks, "All of our brands are rooted in history, heritage and authenticity, so the addition of Lucid to our brand roster is a natural fit."

Developed by TA Breaux, an absinthe expert and historian, Lucid Absinthe Superieure is distilled using traditional French methods from European herbs such as Grande Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), green anise and sweet fennel and others.

It does not contain any artificial dyes or additives.

The Lucid brand used the term ‘Absinthe Superieure’ to differentiate itself from the negative connotations of absinthe that existed in the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

The spirit is currently available in the US, Canada and the UK at a retail price of $59.99 per 750ml bottle.

Hood River’s portfolio of spirits also includes the Pendleton Canadian whisky, 1910 rye whisky, Broker’s London dry gin and SinFire cinnamon whisky brands, amongst others.