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So, how do you use an absinthe fountain? Here is a quick run-down on absinthe fountain do's and don'ts.
Absinthe fountains serve the purpose of adding water to your drink at a slow rate allowing the proper formation of the louche.
This is because adding ice cold water to your absinthe using the slowest drip possible will produce the best tasting drink. |
"Absinthe fountains let you prepare absinthe in the old world way known as louching" |
The slow addition of water allows the release of the herbal oils kept in solution by the high alcohol content of absinthe. Slowly releasing the herbs provides a more authentic tasting and smelling drink. In short, the slower you release the herbal oils, the better the absinthe experience.
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"Slowly adding water with a fountain releases the herbal oils from absinthe providing the delicious aroma and taste"
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Your absinthe fountain set will always be the center of attention and meeting place at any party or event. When not in use, your Fountain Set is a beautiful decorative piece that can be displayed in any home. The fountains of today are often replicas of fountains from the original "Belle Epoque" when absinthe was at the height if its popularity.
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Examples Of Etched Glass Absinthe Fountains
Absinthe Fountains For Dripping & Louching
Proper addition of water to absinthe cannot be over-stressed. You can certainly add water to your drink by using a carafe. This method works well when mixing a few drinks. If you have many drinks to mix such as at a party, to get the complete flavor and aroma, you'll need an absinthe fountain. The slow stream from a fountain is essential to extracting the most taste from your absinthe.
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"Absinthe's high alcohol content keeps the herbs dissolved until water is added. As they're released, the louche is formed" |
Absinthe requires a very high alcohol concentration to keep the herbs and botanicals used in its distillation suspended in solution. The herbs are "hidden" or "locked away" inside the undiluted liquor.
As water is added, the alcohol concentration slowly falls and the herbal oils start to precipitate out of solution forming the louche. At the same time, the beautiful, botanical aromas are released filling the room with their fragrance. Enjoying the scent of the herbs being released is an important part of the absinthe ritual. |
Tips On Buying Absinthe Fountains & Sets
Although new metal absinthe fountains are no longer an option due to quality issues (see top of page), older metal absinthe fountains are still available. USE CAUTION IF PURCHASING A NEW METAL FOUNTAIN.
There are a few things to consider when shopping for an absinthe fountain. First, you'll need to decide if you want only a fountain or a fountain set that includes glasses and spoons. A quick google search for "Absinthe Fountain Sets" will turn up the sellers who put together sets complete with everything you need to get started enjoying absinthe.
Use caution when shopping. Like everything else you buy, you get what you pay for and Absinthe fountains are no exception. When shopping for your absinthe fountain, if you find one at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Many retailers today sell some type of absinthe accessory from spoons to fountains but often carry products that offer the highest profit margin. Unfortunately this means most, if not all, are inferior quality products designed for novice absinthe enthusiasts. It is always a good idea to buy from a retailer who specializes in absinthe pieces. You can save a lot of time and trouble by avoiding Ebay and Amazon when shopping for absinthe ware. They both have become saturated with low quality products and knock-offs. If you do make a purchase from Ebay or Amazon, make certain returns are available and the cost of the return does not fall on you.
There are a few things to consider when shopping for an absinthe fountain. First, you'll need to decide if you want only a fountain or a fountain set that includes glasses and spoons. A quick google search for "Absinthe Fountain Sets" will turn up the sellers who put together sets complete with everything you need to get started enjoying absinthe.
Use caution when shopping. Like everything else you buy, you get what you pay for and Absinthe fountains are no exception. When shopping for your absinthe fountain, if you find one at a price that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Many retailers today sell some type of absinthe accessory from spoons to fountains but often carry products that offer the highest profit margin. Unfortunately this means most, if not all, are inferior quality products designed for novice absinthe enthusiasts. It is always a good idea to buy from a retailer who specializes in absinthe pieces. You can save a lot of time and trouble by avoiding Ebay and Amazon when shopping for absinthe ware. They both have become saturated with low quality products and knock-offs. If you do make a purchase from Ebay or Amazon, make certain returns are available and the cost of the return does not fall on you.
How Is Absinthe Made?
So how do they get all of those herbs to hide inside the absinthe? Traditionally, Absinthe is characterized as a re-distillation of botanicals liquified into a spirit. The botanicals include green anise (P. anisum), grande wormwood (A. absinthium) and sweet fennel (F. vulgare). The extraction is combined with a mixture of selected culinary and medicinal spices and plants which provide another layer of aroma and flavor along with its signature chlorophyllic green tint. This method, as indicated by historical distillation guides, is known as the Suisse Method which is the most noble and original way to craft a true premium absinthe. Including the most acclaimed original brands, the majority of the 19th century absinthes were crafted using the Suisse method. A minimum of 95% of the world’s absinthe produced during the 19th century came form France and Switzerland. Most of it was of the verte (green) variety and was bottled with a potency of 60-72% ABV.
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