Reviving the Green Fairy: Absente

Distilleries de Provence brings the Green Fairy back to life with Absente – an artisanal absinthe honouring tradition, ritual and the spirit of Van Gogh in every drop…

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, absinthe, affectionately known as ‘la fée verte’ (‘the green fairy), was more than just a drink it was a cultural phenomenon that captivated the bohemian circles of Paris. For artists and writers such as Vincent van Gogh, Oscar Wilde and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, it was almost a muse, and its ritualistic preparation, along with the ‘absinthe hour’ – typically in the late afternoon – quickly became a cherished tradition.

However, in the early 20th century it was banned in many countries due to concerns over its alleged hallucinogenic properties. In France, the ban remained in place until 1988, while in the United States, absinthe finally made a legal comeback in 1999. Among the pioneers of the revival was Absente 110 Proof – in fact it was the first absinthe to appear in the US and Canada after the ban was lifted. It is produced by Distilleries de Provence in Forcalquier, a hilltop town in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, between the Luberon and the foothills of the southern Alps. The distillery, founded in 1898, has a rich history of crafting artisanal spirits using traditional methods and honours its 19th-century absinthe-making legacy by following original recipes used before the ban.

The core botanical, Artemisia absinthium commonly known as grande wormwood-is harvested in July in the nearby Alpine terrain. Along with wormwood, the recipe includes star anise, lemon balm, peppermint and other herbs, which are macerated and distilled to create Absente’s complex, aromatic profile. Absente pays homage to absinthe’s most dedicated drinker, Vincent van Gogh, with packaging that often features artwork inspired by the artist himself.

The ritual of absinthe

One of the most enchanting aspects of absinthe is its preparation ritual. To enjoy it in the classic manner, place a sugar cube on a perforated spoon, rest it over a glass containing a measure of absinthe, and slowly drip cold water over the sugar. As the water mixes with the absinthe, the drink transforms from a clear green to a milky opalescence, known as the louche, and releases its complex aromas and flavours. Absente honours this tradition by including a specially designed spoon with each bottle. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy Absente too – its herbal complexity adds depth to classic cocktails like the Sazerac and can bring a unique twist to modern concoctions for instance, the Green Beast (recipe below). Additionally, a splash of absinthe can elevate a mojito or gin and tonic, introducing an intriguing herbal note.

Absente stands as a testament to the enduring allure of absinthe. By blending historical authenticity with modern craftsmanship, the Distilleries has revived a spirit that once inspired generations of artists and continues to captivate connoisseurs today. So whether served in a slow, ritualistic pour or mixed into a bold cocktail, Absente invites you to rediscover the green fairy with fresh eyes and perhaps a touch of artistic inspiration.

www.distilleries-provence.com/fr

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