Absinthe - a traditional spirit surrounded by myth and lore…

Absinthe, also known as the "Green Fairy," is a notorious spirit known for its high alcohol, strong flavor and legendary reputation. This iconic beverage, with its association to artistic inspiration, indulgence, and controversy, has a captivating history that spans centuries. From its origins in the Swiss countryside to its prohibition and subsequent revival, the story of absinthe is an intriguing chapter in the history of the alcoholic world.

Conceived in Switzerland
Absinthe was first created in the Val-de-Travers region of Switzerland during the late 18th century. Conceived by Dr. Pierre Ordinaire, a French doctor who sought to develop a medicinal elixir. Combining botanicals such as wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), anise, and fennel, Ordinaire created a highly alcoholic concoction with a distinct green color and a characteristic bitter taste.

Made in France
In the early 19th century French distiller Henri-Louis Pernod began commercial production of Absinthe in Pontarlier, France. The drink gained popularity among French troops during the Algerian War, as it was seen as a remedy for tropical diseases and when the soldiers returned home, they brought their newfound taste for absinthe with them, contributing to its rise in popularity throughout France.

Artists, writers, and poets flocked to the spirit during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking inspiration and a sense of liberation. Figures such as Vincent van Gogh, Ernest Hemmingway and Oscar Wilde were known to indulge in Absinthe, attributing its consumption to their creative genius.

As absinthe's popularity soared, so did the concerns regarding its effects. Allegations of addiction, hallucinations, and violence led to a campaign against the spirit. These concerns were largely fueled by the thujone content in wormwood, a compound believed to cause hallucinatory effects. In 1915, several countries, including France, Switzerland, and the United States, banned the production and sale of absinthe, cementing its reputation as a dangerous and illicit drink.

Absinthe remained banished from the shelves for nearly a century, however, in the late 20th century, a renewed interest in the drink's historical significance led to a reconsideration of its prohibition. In the 1990s, several countries began to ease restrictions on absinthe, allowing for its production and sale once again.

Thujone has also been found in other common herbs, such as sage (continaining more thujone than wormwood), rosemary, saffron, lavender and tarragon. Modern absinthe has such small amounts of thujone that they will have next to no affect on the drinker. What will affect one, however is the alochol - with absinthe starting from 60% ABV.

Made Worldwide…
The revival of absinthe brought with it a resurgence of craft distilleries reimagining traditional recipes to create their own version of this wonderous elixer. Craft distillers meticulously recreated historic absinthe styles, paying homage to the spirit's heritage while today, absinthe enthusiasts can explore a wide range of flavors and styles, from traditional absinthe verte (green) to blanche (clear) variations, each with its own unique botanical profile.

Here at Drifters End, our absinthe has a higher aniseed note to ensure it can be enjoyed neat, following our versatility philosophy. We like to say that this makes a fuss-free absinthe - no spoon required.

As absinthe continues to evolve in the modern era, its rich and storied past will forever fascinate both enthusiasts and curious newcomers, ensuring its place as an iconic symbol of indulgence and artistic inspiration.