Absynthe, a drink with a long and controversial history, enjoyed its greatest popularity in late 19th century Paris, when Vincent Van Gogh, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Verlaine, Ernest Hemmingway and Oscar Wilde were among its most ardent fans. It was an inseparable part of artistic life during that period of time. It is said to have inspired fine literature and great paintings.

Henri-Louis Pernod opened the first Absynthe distillery in Switzerland and then moved to a larger one in Pontarlier, France in 1805. By the 1850’s it had become the favorite drink of the upper class. The bohemian lifestyle embraced it. La fée verte (the green fairy) as it became commonly known, was most popular in France. Most days started with a drink and ended with l’heure verte (the green hour) as one or two or more were taken for it’s apéritif properties.

Absynthe is very alcoholic. So watch out if you want to try out some recipes !!

In the age of the theme bars fresh brands and tastes are encouraged by the gourmet. La Boheme has taken traditional liqueurs, suitable for today’s market, actively promoting the bar industry.

Absynthe is described as “Crystal clear in the bottle, potent emerald in the glass”. Being 144 proof it is as illicit as it is intoxicating. Sipped by Oscar Wilde, Baudelaire, Manet, Picasso and many other prominent artists and writers, Absinthe was first used in ancient Greece for its herbal assets. Though invented in Switzerland it has always been associated with France. The age of Absynthe began during the Algerian War when French soldiers were issued this as a fever preventative. When they returned to France they brought the taste of Absinthe back with them. In the year 1912 the French drank 221,897,000 litres of absynthe which led to the society columnist of the time A. Capus, declaring “Absynthe has become the favorite drink of every Frenchman”.

All brands of absynthe - “The Green Fairy” supplied by La Boheme UK Ltd., are the genuine products manufactured in the Czech Republic. All of La Boheme’s absinthe products have established themselves in the premiere league of liqueurs. Manufactured according to the original recipes with 70%, 60% or 55% alc. vol. and the production methods have been improved in excess of today’s required standards. La Boheme is the only company to offer a wide selection of varieties of absinthe and plays a considerable part in the revival of the drink that was enjoyed by so many.

“The Green Fairy is making a stunning comeback … be part of it.”