First off, it’s pure coincidence that my screen name is OldSmuggla and I have a question about smuggling booze into the U.S. Anyways, my friend just e-mailed me from Barcelona, where he purchased a large bottle of absinthe. He’s wondering if he’ll have any problems sneaking it past customs when he flies home next week. Keep in mind he’s a 26 year old single male traveling alone, and therefore will almost certainly have his luggage searched.

Is absinthe even illegal in the U.S.? If so, had anybody tried to smuggle some back home and gotten through or had it confiscated (or worse)? On behalf of my buddy, I appreciate any feedback.