What better way to celebrate National Absinthe Day than to head to Paris; to spend the weekend in the city that was awash with the stuff in the late 19th century. Absinthe is making a comeback all over the world, and I’m in Paris to understand why it's popularity is peaking once more.
What was all the fuss about?
Mutter the word "Absinthe" to your mate at the bar and their eyes are sure to widen and a look of intrigue will spread across their face. A hundred years ago, or so, bartenders across the land would shake the tiny green vials of liquid to wake the daredevil inside the bottle, and make you drink it before it fell asleep again. Once the daredevil was inside your stomach all bets were off.Well that’s not strictly true, but it’s not far from the hysteria and wild myth surrounding the drink. A more accurate account is that people were worried it could cause blindness and hallucinations.
The psychoactive chemical thujone that’s found in Absinthe can have some side effects - in large enough quantities - but the exotic nature of the drink caused outrage across the world just a short century and a bit ago. Things have never been quite the same for Absinthe makers - until now.
Outlawed and out of love
Perhaps it’s the fact that aniseed-tasting Absinthe was outlawed for almost a century that gives it that alluring edge; it’s the forbidden fruit of the spirits world.Absenthe no more
After reading about the Absinthe prohibition, you can breathe a sigh of relief, it’s not gonna be absent any longer. Not unlike the Gin renaissance that’s taken a hold in the UK, and the Bourbon boom in the US, Absinthe is another spirit that has been around for donkey's years and is now enjoying its very own retour.For the last two decades our spending habits have shifted towards spending on experience and trying new things. Whether you’re a millennial or not, experiences are more important than ever. If you are a millennial then hats off to you - you’re helping Absinthe get back in the ring: as Harris Eventbrite’ study shows “55% of millennials say they’re spending more on events and live experiences than ever before”, and Forbes calls this the experience economy. We’re seeking punchy real flavours with heritage, authenticity and a story behind them.
Families reviving the legend
Family led distilleries are leading the charge, and perhaps that’s because the spirit of Absinthe is part of their heritage.Artemisia Bugnon Distillery
Artemisia Bugnon lies in the the heart of absinthe country: Val-de-Travers, in Switzerland, Started by Claude-Alain Bugnon was the first underground distiller to start legal commercial production in 2005. They produce six varietis of premium Absinthe, including La Clandestine Absinthe.View this post on InstagramMy distiller Claude-Alain Bugnon knows how absinthe should be served. Count the drips in the 2nd photo! Part of a series of photos in a new blog article: link in my profile. #absinthe #absinth #absenta #assenzio #laclandestine #???? #absint #absinthesofinstagram #realabsinthe #swissabsinthe #handcrafted #craftspirits #absinthecocktails #claudealainbugnon #valdetravers #couvet
Jade Liquers & Combier
Jade Liquers & Combier sits near the banks of the Loire River, Combier in France. The distillery was started by Jean Baptiste Combier in 1834 and is the oldest working distillery in the Loire Valley. You can visit between April and October.View this post on InstagramOur absinthe farm, where we cultivate two specific varieties of Artemisia absinthum
Distillery Pierre Guy
Distillery Pierre Guy, Founded by Armand Guy, this Absinthe distillery is the last family-owned business in Pontarlier, a small town next to the French/Swiss border. Four generations of distillers have honed their Absinthe craft here for well over a century. The recipe for their renowned Vert Sapin (green fir tree) is over 113 years old.The Matter-Luginbühl Distillery
The Matter-Luginbühl Distillery is not too far from the French/Swiss border, near the Swiss capital Bern. An easy hop from the city you can opt for the tour or the Absinthe distilling course when you visit.View this post on InstagramAbsinthe Suisse Blanche Traditionelle brut d'alambic (essai9) vol. 81.6% from Matter Spirits Kallnach #switzerland #absinthe #matterspirits #schweiz #suisse #verystrong #absinth #kallnach
Emile Pernot
It sits south of Pontarlier and was family run until 2005. Although it’s no longer in the family, as the great grandson of founder Emile-Ferdinand sold it when he retired, it’s still worth a mention. La Maison Fontaine Blanche and La Maison Fontaine Verte are both award winning Absinthes.View this post on InstagramÇa distille !
Outside of France and Switzerland, Distillery Zufanek is bringing Absinthe back in Czech Republic and Frey Ranch in Nevada launched a new Absinthe in 2015/16. There’s even an Absinthe made from Pisco, which is pretty awesome.
History over - time for a tipple
Now all the facts are behind you - you’re screaming to try it and lose your Absinthe virginity - okay, okay, so here goes. A few places in Paris you can get (re)acquainted with Absinthe.Lulu White
Nestled in the artistic streets of Montmartre. Opt for the Mango Melt On Tango Belt for a truly tropical hit that will knock your socks off.View this post on Instagram
La Fee Verte
The perfect place to go to share the green fairy. The ritual of pouring straight Absinthe over sugar is done the traditional way.Le Fumoir
One of the more famous ways of drinking Absinthe, head to this petit bar and try the Sazerac. This dimly lit interior lies just around the corner from the Louvre, so I’d try one or two as the great artists would, before exploring pictures from their pasts.Le Perchoir Marais
Absinthe with a view. With a stunning rooftop bar and views over the city hall, there’s hardly a better spot to try Absinthe.View this post on Instagram
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One of our top choices is the head cocktail Revisite du French a sweet mix of Absinthe, citrus notes and lavender infused Gin.Andy Wahloo Bar
French Absinthe in a French bar - we mentioned Distillery Armand Guy before. So try Absinthe Francois Guy - you won’t regret it.View this post on Instagram
