| Original Vintage Absinthe For Sale I |
| For the finest modern absinthes, please visit our sister site, Absinthe Classics. |
To drink a pre-ban absinthe from 1910, from the era of Toulouse Lautrec and Van Gogh, of Verlaine and Rimbaud is an
extraordinary and life enhancing experience - this is truly, in Conrad's words, history in a bottle - one has the feeling of reaching
back like a time traveller into the distant past, and feeling for just a moment a flicker of the warmth of a summer's day on a
Parisian boulevard a century ago. Vintage absinthe is far rarer than ancient cognac, pre-prohibition bourbon, or any other vintage
spirit. Every surviving bottle is a precious relic. No more than a few hundred people on earth have tasted vintage absinthe (most
of them via this website). Most purchasers extract a small sample to taste via a hypodermic syringe through the cork, but leave
the bottle otherwise intact for future generations.
We continually search throughout France, Switzerland and Spain for sealed bottles of vintage absinthe, in fine original condition.
When we do find pre-1915 bottles, they tend to sell very quickly, often to buyers already on our waiting list, although
occasionally we are able to offer them here.
extraordinary and life enhancing experience - this is truly, in Conrad's words, history in a bottle - one has the feeling of reaching
back like a time traveller into the distant past, and feeling for just a moment a flicker of the warmth of a summer's day on a
Parisian boulevard a century ago. Vintage absinthe is far rarer than ancient cognac, pre-prohibition bourbon, or any other vintage
spirit. Every surviving bottle is a precious relic. No more than a few hundred people on earth have tasted vintage absinthe (most
of them via this website). Most purchasers extract a small sample to taste via a hypodermic syringe through the cork, but leave
the bottle otherwise intact for future generations.
We continually search throughout France, Switzerland and Spain for sealed bottles of vintage absinthe, in fine original condition.
When we do find pre-1915 bottles, they tend to sell very quickly, often to buyers already on our waiting list, although
occasionally we are able to offer them here.
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| The Virtual Absinthe Museum Web Shop |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Update 12th March 2007
An extremely rare circa 1910 Absinthe Dechanet, available in 20ml sample bottle
form.
Dechanet were a mid -sized high quality Pontarlier producer. Intact pre-ban bottles are
very scarce, and this is the first one ever offered for tasting.
The absinthe has been carefully decanted into sterile laboratory-grade 20ml amber
glass sample bottles. 20ml is enough for one medium sized absinthe glass, or two
very small tasting glasses. SOLD OUT
An extremely rare circa 1910 Absinthe Dechanet, available in 20ml sample bottle
form.
Dechanet were a mid -sized high quality Pontarlier producer. Intact pre-ban bottles are
very scarce, and this is the first one ever offered for tasting.
The absinthe has been carefully decanted into sterile laboratory-grade 20ml amber
glass sample bottles. 20ml is enough for one medium sized absinthe glass, or two
very small tasting glasses. SOLD OUT
Update 8th April 2007
A 1913/14 Absinthe Pernod Fils from the famous cache released from
Holland on to the UK market in 1937, available in 30ml sample bottle form.
After the banning of absinthe in 1914, the absinthe producers, including
Pernod Fils, received substantial indemnities from the French government. In
a little publicised concession, they were also allowed to export their
remaining stocks. Pernod Fils transferred their entire stock of pre-ban
absinthe to Holland, where it remained until 1937, when a small quantity was
released on to the UK market, with the labels overprinted with the words
"Garanti Fabrique en 1913". In 1938 the remaining unsold stock was
transferred back to France to warehouses in Le Havre, where, a few years
later, it was destroyed in a war-time bombing raid.
This is a fascinating opportunity to taste the last absinthe made by Pernod
before the ban, and the only pre-ban Pernod production that can be precisely
dated. The contents are extremely well preserved.
A 1913/14 Absinthe Pernod Fils from the famous cache released from
Holland on to the UK market in 1937, available in 30ml sample bottle form.
After the banning of absinthe in 1914, the absinthe producers, including
Pernod Fils, received substantial indemnities from the French government. In
a little publicised concession, they were also allowed to export their
remaining stocks. Pernod Fils transferred their entire stock of pre-ban
absinthe to Holland, where it remained until 1937, when a small quantity was
released on to the UK market, with the labels overprinted with the words
"Garanti Fabrique en 1913". In 1938 the remaining unsold stock was
transferred back to France to warehouses in Le Havre, where, a few years
later, it was destroyed in a war-time bombing raid.
This is a fascinating opportunity to taste the last absinthe made by Pernod
before the ban, and the only pre-ban Pernod production that can be precisely
dated. The contents are extremely well preserved.
The absinthe has been carefully decanted
into sterile laboratory-grade 30ml amber
glass sample bottles. 30ml is enough for
one large absinthe glass, or two small
tasting glasses.
SOLD OUT
into sterile laboratory-grade 30ml amber
glass sample bottles. 30ml is enough for
one large absinthe glass, or two small
tasting glasses.
SOLD OUT
This absinthe has the typical Pernod Fils herbal and
floral nose, and is rich, complex and satisfying - an
absolutely perfect example of a fine pre-ban absinthe.
Top left: Dose before addition of water, showing the
classic feuille morte colour.
Bottom left: A beautiful opalescent louche.
floral nose, and is rich, complex and satisfying - an
absolutely perfect example of a fine pre-ban absinthe.
Top left: Dose before addition of water, showing the
classic feuille morte colour.
Bottom left: A beautiful opalescent louche.
Finest & Rarest, dealing in rare and ancient
cognac, Chartreuse, whisky and other spirits.
cognac, Chartreuse, whisky and other spirits.
Le site frère de ce site-ci, en francais,
Le Musée Virtuel de l'Absinthe.
Le Musée Virtuel de l'Absinthe.
Absinthe Originals for
authentic Belle Epoque
era absinthe antiques.
authentic Belle Epoque
era absinthe antiques.
Absinthe Classics,
for the finest modern
absinthes with
worldwide delivery.
for the finest modern
absinthes with
worldwide delivery.
The Absinthe Spoon The premier source
for fine replica spoons, glasses and fountains.
for fine replica spoons, glasses and fountains.
| This website and all its contents Copyright 2002- 2008 Oxygenee Ltd. No pictures or text may be reproduced or used in any form without written permission of the site owner. |
Absinthe Posters, for fine-art prints
of the greatest absinthe images.
of the greatest absinthe images.
Update 16th May 2007
A very unusual Pernod Fils bottling,
labelled for Argentina, Uruguay and
Paraguay. Original Pernod Fils
green wax seal. SOLD
A very unusual Pernod Fils bottling,
labelled for Argentina, Uruguay and
Paraguay. Original Pernod Fils
green wax seal. SOLD
Update 25th June 2007
Absinthe Berger, a circa 1895 bottle. SOLD
Absinthe Berger, a circa 1895 bottle. SOLD
Update 30th June 2007
A perfectly stored circa 1905 Pernod Fils available sample bottle form.
From a remarkable cellar that has already yielded several other pre-ban
bottles comes this wonderful bottle of pre-ban Pernod Fils, with most of it's
original grey-green wax seal, a bright, clear colour, and an outstanding level.
This bottle has lain undisturbed in the same cool, damp cellar for the last
century.
Update 5th June - SOLD OUT. All these samples have now been sold.
A perfectly stored circa 1905 Pernod Fils available sample bottle form.
From a remarkable cellar that has already yielded several other pre-ban
bottles comes this wonderful bottle of pre-ban Pernod Fils, with most of it's
original grey-green wax seal, a bright, clear colour, and an outstanding level.
This bottle has lain undisturbed in the same cool, damp cellar for the last
century.
Update 5th June - SOLD OUT. All these samples have now been sold.
Update 4th July 2007
A rare circa 1895-1905 Pernod Fils in near mint condition.
From the same cellar as the bottle below, another superb bottle of pre-ban
Pernod Fils, untouched and absolutely original, with an almost complete
original grey-green wax seal, a bright, clear amber colour, and an outstanding
level. Label close to perfect, and all the silver neckfoil still intact. Some bubbles
and crudity in the glass, and the deep punt, indicate a likely date of the late
1890's, but certainly no later than 1905. This bottle has lain undisturbed in the
same cellar for the last century. A very desirable bottle.
Update 5th June - SOLD.
A rare circa 1895-1905 Pernod Fils in near mint condition.
From the same cellar as the bottle below, another superb bottle of pre-ban
Pernod Fils, untouched and absolutely original, with an almost complete
original grey-green wax seal, a bright, clear amber colour, and an outstanding
level. Label close to perfect, and all the silver neckfoil still intact. Some bubbles
and crudity in the glass, and the deep punt, indicate a likely date of the late
1890's, but certainly no later than 1905. This bottle has lain undisturbed in the
same cellar for the last century. A very desirable bottle.
Update 5th June - SOLD.
| Update 18th July 2007 Three vintage pre-ban absinthes for sale, in 30 & 50ml sample bottle form Absinthe Dornier-Tuller, Absinthe Lanquetin Fils, Absinthe Pernod Fils, all circa 1910. |
From the same remarkable cellar that yielded last month's Pernod Fils bottles come THREE more wonderful bottles - an Absinthe
Dornier-Tuller, a half bottle of Absinthe Lanquetin Fils and another half bottle of Pernod Fils. These bottles have lain undisturbed in the
same cool, damp cellar for the last century. I'll be offering all three bottles as samples, in either 30ml or 50ml format.
All three bottles are in excellent condition, with very good levels and intact original neck foil and seals. The Pernod Fils is missing its
label, but has the green wax "Pernod Fils" seal on the cork, which dates the bottle unequivocally to the pre-ban period. Both the
Dornier-Tuller and the Lanquetin Fils have their original labels. The absinthe in all three bottles is clear and bright, with every indication
of perfect preservation.
The Dornier-Tuller bottle is a major rarity, the first sealed bottle of this prestigious high quality Pontarlier marque I've ever seen. The
Lanquetin Fils - another old Pontarlier distillery - is almost as rare, and the Pernod Fils of course remains the benchmark against
which all other absinthes are judged. In the normal course of events I'd offer all three bottles intact, but because of the ongoing
research I'm conducting with Dr Lachenmeier at the Karlsruhe Institute, I've decided to open them to obtain a test sample from each for
GC/MS analysis. The balance of each bottle will be decanted into sterile laboratory-grade 30ml and 50ml amber glass sample bottles.
30ml is enough for one very large absinthe glass, or two smaller tasting glasses, 50ml is enough for two large glasses, or 4 small
tasting glasses.
This is a unique chance to taste three of the most famous absinthe grande marques. The Dornier-Tuller in particular is an exceptional
opportunity.
Update August 2007: SOLD OUT. All these samples have now been sold.
Dornier-Tuller, a half bottle of Absinthe Lanquetin Fils and another half bottle of Pernod Fils. These bottles have lain undisturbed in the
same cool, damp cellar for the last century. I'll be offering all three bottles as samples, in either 30ml or 50ml format.
All three bottles are in excellent condition, with very good levels and intact original neck foil and seals. The Pernod Fils is missing its
label, but has the green wax "Pernod Fils" seal on the cork, which dates the bottle unequivocally to the pre-ban period. Both the
Dornier-Tuller and the Lanquetin Fils have their original labels. The absinthe in all three bottles is clear and bright, with every indication
of perfect preservation.
The Dornier-Tuller bottle is a major rarity, the first sealed bottle of this prestigious high quality Pontarlier marque I've ever seen. The
Lanquetin Fils - another old Pontarlier distillery - is almost as rare, and the Pernod Fils of course remains the benchmark against
which all other absinthes are judged. In the normal course of events I'd offer all three bottles intact, but because of the ongoing
research I'm conducting with Dr Lachenmeier at the Karlsruhe Institute, I've decided to open them to obtain a test sample from each for
GC/MS analysis. The balance of each bottle will be decanted into sterile laboratory-grade 30ml and 50ml amber glass sample bottles.
30ml is enough for one very large absinthe glass, or two smaller tasting glasses, 50ml is enough for two large glasses, or 4 small
tasting glasses.
This is a unique chance to taste three of the most famous absinthe grande marques. The Dornier-Tuller in particular is an exceptional
opportunity.
Update August 2007: SOLD OUT. All these samples have now been sold.
| Update 12th September 2007 A superb circa 1905-1910 intact bottle of Absinthe Pernod Fils |
A superb bottle of Absinthe Pernod Fils in
close to mint condition - excellent level,
neck-foil intact, branded green wax seal
intact, label complete, unfaded, and
undamaged. The contents are bright and
clear, and are a gorgeous mid-amber. The
bottle still shows some crudity - bubbles in
the glass - and certainly dates from before
1910, most likely around 1905.
This is the classic absinthe of the Belle
Epoque, the benchmark by which all others
are judged. Bottles in such pristine
condition are extremely rare. A very
desirable bottle.
Offered strictly on a first come, first served
basis.
Update 14th September 2007 - SOLD.
Please email us to be put on the waiting
list for future bottles.
close to mint condition - excellent level,
neck-foil intact, branded green wax seal
intact, label complete, unfaded, and
undamaged. The contents are bright and
clear, and are a gorgeous mid-amber. The
bottle still shows some crudity - bubbles in
the glass - and certainly dates from before
1910, most likely around 1905.
This is the classic absinthe of the Belle
Epoque, the benchmark by which all others
are judged. Bottles in such pristine
condition are extremely rare. A very
desirable bottle.
Offered strictly on a first come, first served
basis.
Update 14th September 2007 - SOLD.
Please email us to be put on the waiting
list for future bottles.
Update 4th September 2007
Absinthe Dubied Duval 72% circa 1890-95
Absinthe Bregante 65% circa 1900
Two spectacular and rare bottles, the Duval is only the second intact
bottle found, the Bregante is so far unique. Duval were the oldest of
all absinthe houses, with a heritage going directly back to the
Henriod sisters in 1798. Bregante were one of only two distilleries in
Corsica, a significant centre for absinthe consumption in the early
1900's.
Update 5th September - SOLD.
Absinthe Dubied Duval 72% circa 1890-95
Absinthe Bregante 65% circa 1900
Two spectacular and rare bottles, the Duval is only the second intact
bottle found, the Bregante is so far unique. Duval were the oldest of
all absinthe houses, with a heritage going directly back to the
Henriod sisters in 1798. Bregante were one of only two distilleries in
Corsica, a significant centre for absinthe consumption in the early
1900's.
Update 5th September - SOLD.
| A very rare bottle of Absinthe Edouard Pernod, circa 1910, in excellent condition. |
From the same remarkable cellar that has yielded several other extraordinary pre-ban bottles, comes this
superb bottle of Absinthe Edouard Pernod. It has its original branded wax seal, an intact label and an
excellent level almost to the top shoulder. It's photographed here as found, covered with a century's worth
of cellar dust and grime, but this is easily brushed away. A wonderful bottle for the serious collector.
SOLD
superb bottle of Absinthe Edouard Pernod. It has its original branded wax seal, an intact label and an
excellent level almost to the top shoulder. It's photographed here as found, covered with a century's worth
of cellar dust and grime, but this is easily brushed away. A wonderful bottle for the serious collector.
SOLD
Click here to see some of the vintage absinthes we've sold in the last few years.
Occasionally, rather than sell a vintage bottle intact, we decant it into 30, 50 or 100ml sample bottles, which are sold individually.
This allows a wider group of people to experience the thrill of tasting vintage absinthe, at a more affordable price.
Here are photos of some interesting bottles we've sold over the last year in tasting sample form.
Please email us for further details of any of the vintage absinthes shown below, or if you'd like to place an order, or to put
your name on the waiting list if you're a serious potential purchaser for future offers.
Occasionally, rather than sell a vintage bottle intact, we decant it into 30, 50 or 100ml sample bottles, which are sold individually.
This allows a wider group of people to experience the thrill of tasting vintage absinthe, at a more affordable price.
Here are photos of some interesting bottles we've sold over the last year in tasting sample form.
Please email us for further details of any of the vintage absinthes shown below, or if you'd like to place an order, or to put
your name on the waiting list if you're a serious potential purchaser for future offers.
| Click on the images to enlarge. |
| Update 6th March 2008 4 superb bottles: Jules Pernod, Edouard Pernod and 2 x Pernod Fils |
Four outstanding pre-ban absinthes, including a magnificent and very rare bottle of Absinthe Jules Pernod, the great Avignon-based rival
firm to Pernod Fils.
firm to Pernod Fils.
There are two identical circa 1910 Absinthe Pernod Fils bottles, both in near perfect condition.
An extremely rare and important bottle from the oldest of all absinthe firms, founded in 1798 by Major
Dubied, who'd bought the legendary "Dr Ordinaire" recipe from the Henriod sisters. The closest we
have to a direct link to the fabled initial formulation of Dr Ordinaire.
Fine condition, with a perfect seal and an unusually high quality cork. The bottle itself is crudely
handblown, slightly lobsided, with a deep punt. It likely dates to around 1895.
Dubied, who'd bought the legendary "Dr Ordinaire" recipe from the Henriod sisters. The closest we
have to a direct link to the fabled initial formulation of Dr Ordinaire.
Fine condition, with a perfect seal and an unusually high quality cork. The bottle itself is crudely
handblown, slightly lobsided, with a deep punt. It likely dates to around 1895.
These four bottles all come from the same extraordinary cache - they have had absolutely no light exposure, and have been cellared in the
same location, untouched, since the first decades of the last century.
The major rarity is the Absinthe Jules Pernod. This large and prestigious Avignon based distillery was the bitter rival of Pontarlier-based
Maison Pernod Fils. Jules Pernod was one of the top half a dozen absinthe brands of the era, and this is, the best of my knowledge, the
first intact bottle ever found. The smaller half-litre bottle of Absinthe Edouard Pernod has some wear to the label, but the level is excellent,
and the all-important branded red wax seal on top of the cork is absolutely intact. This is the sister absinthe of Pernod Fils, closer to the
Swiss style, more spicy and less floral than Pernod Fils. One of the great classics of the Belle Epoque.
same location, untouched, since the first decades of the last century.
The major rarity is the Absinthe Jules Pernod. This large and prestigious Avignon based distillery was the bitter rival of Pontarlier-based
Maison Pernod Fils. Jules Pernod was one of the top half a dozen absinthe brands of the era, and this is, the best of my knowledge, the
first intact bottle ever found. The smaller half-litre bottle of Absinthe Edouard Pernod has some wear to the label, but the level is excellent,
and the all-important branded red wax seal on top of the cork is absolutely intact. This is the sister absinthe of Pernod Fils, closer to the
Swiss style, more spicy and less floral than Pernod Fils. One of the great classics of the Belle Epoque.
All four bottles are SOLD.
| Update 18th April 2008 Fritz Duval, successeur de Dubied Pere & Fils, Extrait d'Absinthe 72%. Circa 1895 |
Because of the unusual importance of this bottle, I've decided to sell
the contents in sample bottle form. The absinthe has been carefully
decanted into sterile laboratory-grade 30ml amber glass sample
bottles. 30ml is enough for one large glasses, or 2 small tasting
glasses.
The absinthe is very well preserved, a deep amber with faint olive
highlights when first poured. The louche is beautifully slow and full,
and the colour develops into an opaque peachy amber. There is a
noticeable scent of wormwood on the nose, and on the palate the
absinthe is remarkably smooth and well integrated, with no one
flavour predominating. A wonderful drink!
Click on the images to enlarge.
the contents in sample bottle form. The absinthe has been carefully
decanted into sterile laboratory-grade 30ml amber glass sample
bottles. 30ml is enough for one large glasses, or 2 small tasting
glasses.
The absinthe is very well preserved, a deep amber with faint olive
highlights when first poured. The louche is beautifully slow and full,
and the colour develops into an opaque peachy amber. There is a
noticeable scent of wormwood on the nose, and on the palate the
absinthe is remarkably smooth and well integrated, with no one
flavour predominating. A wonderful drink!
Click on the images to enlarge.
| Update 2nd April 2008 Absinthe Suisse "Grand Distillerie Lyonnaise" circa 1890-95 The first intact "Absinthe Lyonnaise" discovered in the modern era. |
This is an exceptional bottle - a circa 1890-95 Absinthe Suisse,
marked "Grande Distillerie Lyonnaise". Lyons was a noticable centre
for absinthe production, and an "absinthe Lyonnaise" was a specific
regional recipe (a high percentage of angelica root in the distillation,
and veronica added to the colouring step).
The bottle has a capacity of around 600ml and is crudely blown with
numerous bubbles and irregularities in the glass, and a deep punt. It
may date to even earlier than 1890-95, but I wanted to err on the side of
caution.
This is the first example of an absinthe Lyonnaise I have found. It's an
absolutely superb tasting absinthe - click here for a detailed tasting
review by a well-known French absintheur.
"Absinthe Suisse" was the highest quality designation possible in the
era, indicating a naturally coloured absinthe of the finest quality. The
wording "Grande Distillerie Lyonnaise" almost certainly indicates that
this was manufactured by the Ferrand Freres distillery in Lyon.
marked "Grande Distillerie Lyonnaise". Lyons was a noticable centre
for absinthe production, and an "absinthe Lyonnaise" was a specific
regional recipe (a high percentage of angelica root in the distillation,
and veronica added to the colouring step).
The bottle has a capacity of around 600ml and is crudely blown with
numerous bubbles and irregularities in the glass, and a deep punt. It
may date to even earlier than 1890-95, but I wanted to err on the side of
caution.
This is the first example of an absinthe Lyonnaise I have found. It's an
absolutely superb tasting absinthe - click here for a detailed tasting
review by a well-known French absintheur.
"Absinthe Suisse" was the highest quality designation possible in the
era, indicating a naturally coloured absinthe of the finest quality. The
wording "Grande Distillerie Lyonnaise" almost certainly indicates that
this was manufactured by the Ferrand Freres distillery in Lyon.
This bottle is SOLD.
An almost perfect sealed bottle circa 1910 Absinthe Pernod Fils bottle, offered in sample form. Very good
level, perfect seal. This is the most famous of all absinthes, the benchmark against which all others are
judged. The quintessential vintage absinthe.
This is the very last Pernod Fils bottle from the wonderful "Palazzo" cache discovered in Venice in 2007,
which has so far yielded nearly 50 bottles of perfectly preserved vintage absinthe. I've decided to sell the
contents of this bottle in sample bottle form. The absinthe has been carefully decanted into sterile
laboratory-grade 50ml amber glass sample bottles. 50ml is enough for two large glasses, or 3 smaller
tasting glasses.
Aside from the thrill and romance of drinking a century old liquor from the Belle Epoque, superbly
preserved Pernod Fils like this is infinitely superior to even the very best modern absinthes made today -
quite simply, until you've tasted pre-ban absinthe like this, you don't know what absinthe can taste like.
level, perfect seal. This is the most famous of all absinthes, the benchmark against which all others are
judged. The quintessential vintage absinthe.
This is the very last Pernod Fils bottle from the wonderful "Palazzo" cache discovered in Venice in 2007,
which has so far yielded nearly 50 bottles of perfectly preserved vintage absinthe. I've decided to sell the
contents of this bottle in sample bottle form. The absinthe has been carefully decanted into sterile
laboratory-grade 50ml amber glass sample bottles. 50ml is enough for two large glasses, or 3 smaller
tasting glasses.
Aside from the thrill and romance of drinking a century old liquor from the Belle Epoque, superbly
preserved Pernod Fils like this is infinitely superior to even the very best modern absinthes made today -
quite simply, until you've tasted pre-ban absinthe like this, you don't know what absinthe can taste like.
| Update 4th May 2008 Absinthe Pernod Fils, circa 1910 The very last Pernod bottle from the remarkable "Palazzo" cache. Offered in 50ml tasting samples. |
Click on the image to see an enlarged version.
