Yes, absinthe is legal in New Hampshire, provided it complies with state alcohol regulations and federal TTB standards. The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) permits sales of absinthe with thujone levels at or below 10 ppm, aligning with FDA guidelines. Retailers must source products from licensed distributors, and bars may serve absinthe in standard cocktail formulations. Recent 2026 NHLC rulings emphasize stricter labeling requirements for absinthe containing wormwood derivatives.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in New Hampshire
- Thujone Limits: Absinthe must contain ≤10 ppm thujone, per NHLC alignment with FDA and TTB mandates. Products exceeding this threshold are prohibited for sale.
- Licensing Requirements: Retailers and bars must hold valid NHLC licenses to sell or serve absinthe. Unlicensed distribution risks penalties under RSA 178:25.
- Labeling Compliance: Labels must disclose thujone content, alcohol by volume (ABV), and ingredient lists. Mislabeling constitutes a violation under NHLC enforcement protocols.