Absinthe Glasses
Absinthe Glasses Bubble Reservoir & Pontarlier
ABSINTHE GLASSES | BUBBLE, RESERVOIR & DOSE LINE
There is a distinct and noticeable difference between bubble reservoir, reservoir and dose line absinthe glasses.
Absinthe bubble glasses have a reservoir shaped like a ball or globe (Image Left). Unlike the reservoir absinthe glass, the passage between the bubble and the glass is quite small. This produces a unique swirling appearance in the bubble as water is added. See examples of absinthe bubble glasses. 
Absinthe reservoir glasses have a small reservoir at its bottom designed to hold the perfect amount of absinthe for that glass. There are many popular styles of reservoir absinthe glasses such as the Pontarlier (Left). Bubble reservoir glasses are a type of reservoir glass. See Examples of absinthe reservoir glasses. 
The dose line absinthe glass has an actual line cast or etched onto the glass to indicate the amount of absinthe used in that size glass. An example is the Cordon dose Line Absinthe Glass (Left).
No matter which style you choose, the reservoir or the dose line are only suggestions as to the amount of absinthe you should use. With this in mind, absinthe is usually mixed in a 1 to 3 or 1 to 4 ratio. |
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ABSINTHE PREPARATION
To prepare absinthe, you will need an Absinthe Glass, and Absinthe Spoon, pure water and sugar if desired. You can use a carafe for adding water if no absinthe fountain is available. Your spoon is placed on top of your glass and the sugar cube atop the spoon. Water is slowly added to the glass allowing the Absinthe to form the swirling, opalescent trails known as the louche. |
MOLDED VS BLOWN ABSINTHE GLASSES
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The weight and composition of the glass is also a matter of personal preference. Modern glassware used for absinthe will be molded or blown glass/crystal.
Molded glass tends to be heavier and more durable than blown. Molded glass is also generally less expensive and is a great choice for a restaurant or bar environment where they may be handled roughly. Molded glass is also dishwasher safe (Bottom Row, Right - La Rocher Glasses). Blown glass is usually more delicate, detailed and expensive. Blown glass is usually lighter in weight and thinner than molded glass. Right: Top row are blown glass and bottom are molded (Top Row, Right). |
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ANTIQUE ABSINTHE GLASSES
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Another option to consider is whether to purchase a modern glass, reproduction or antique glass. Most absinthe glasses available today are modern reproductions of glasses from the late 1700's to the late 1800's.
Antique absinthe glassware, although extremely beautiful, can be quite expensive. The style of the glass and its rarity will determine its cost. You'll find most antique absinthe glasses start at around $100 and can go up to $1000. Antique glasses are great at reproducing the ambiance of the Belle Époque. Important to note, with all absinthiana, is that absinthe antiques can be counterfeit. When purchasing any absinthe antique, it is always recommended to consult an expert concerning the pieces authenticity. |
ABSINTHE HISTORY
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There has been no other spirit in history that veiled with more controversy, myth, and misunderstanding than Absinthe. Born in the late 1700‘s, this potent green spirit virtually disappeared by the early 1900’s due to the unfair blame for many ills of the societal Belle Epoque. After two world wars, the temperance movement, years of social change and the cold war this once most admired and loathed spirit in the world was diminished to a myth which lingered in cultural and artistic circles.
With the arrival of the 1990’s, the resurrection of Absinthe began. However, there was a lack of knowledge by producers and consumers alike due to the long absence of absinthe. Due to the many misconceptions, this amazing piece of the Belle Epoque was often improperly produced yielding an inferior Absinthe. More recently, due to renewed interest in absinthe, distillers in Europe and the US responded to the inferior absinthe with a traditionally distilled, far superior absinthe. Likely the best absinthe produced today is Jade brand absinthe. Jade produces 4 Verte Absinthes and 1 Blanche Absinthe with all being as close to a Pre-Ban absinthe as you'll ever get. |
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WHAT IS ABSINTHE?
Traditionally, Absinthe has been characterized as a distillation of botanicals liquified into a spirit. The botanicals regularly included green Anise (P. anisum), Grande Wormwood (A. absinthium), and Sweet Fennel (F. vulgare). Most properly produced absinthe includes selected culinary and medicinal spices and plants which provide another layer of aroma and flavor.
The biggest share of the world’s absinthe produced during the Belle Epoque and today comes from France and Switzerland with the bulk being the Verte (green) variety. Absinthe has a very high potency of 60-72% ABV. The high alcohol content should always be considered while enjoying your absinthe.
The biggest share of the world’s absinthe produced during the Belle Epoque and today comes from France and Switzerland with the bulk being the Verte (green) variety. Absinthe has a very high potency of 60-72% ABV. The high alcohol content should always be considered while enjoying your absinthe.
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