Our Founder's Story
Absinthia Absinthe – Award-Winning Craft Absinthe & Green Fairy
My Journey with Absinthe: From Art History to Award-Winning Spirits
Absinthia Absinthe is born from my passion for art history and the bohemian allure of the Green Fairy, inspiring me to craft award-winning absinthe. Legendary artists such as Van Gogh, Degas, Manet, Oscar Wilde, Picasso, and Toulouse-Lautrec found inspiration in absinthe, and their works sparked my curiosity to experience this iconic spirit for myself.
Discovering the Green Fairy: My First Taste of Absinthe
In 1996, I attended a San Francisco Cacophony Society event—a wake for Marcel Proust—a night filled with art, music, and free-spirited creativity. It was there that I first encountered absinthe, an experience unlike any other. The unique herbal complexity and heady, lucid effect were both inspiring and intoxicating. I was captivated and determined to share my love for absinthe, even if it meant taking risks.
From Underground Distiller to Absinthe Pioneer
In 1997, despite absinthe being banned in the U.S. for over 85 years, I began crafting small batches, studying vintage recipes, and experimenting with herbal blends. On April Fool’s Day of that year, I shared my creation with a select group of friends who appreciated its distinct flavor and effects. That night, they first called me Absinthia—a name that has stayed with me ever since.
As my passion grew, I discovered a remarkable coincidence: my last name, Vermut, means “wormwood” in German—the essential botanical in absinthe. It was a sign that I was destined for this path.
Building Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits
When absinthe was finally legalized in 2007, I seized the opportunity to bring my craft to a wider audience. In 2017, I launched Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits, introducing award-winning absinthes crafted with organic botanicals and Napa Valley grapes—ensuring a natural sweetness without added sugar.
Alongside my work in absinthe, I co-founded Nickel Dime Cocktail Syrups, further demonstrating my commitment to the craft of mixology. My background—a BFA in Photography and Art History from NYU and an MBA from Babson College—gives me a unique blend of artistic sensibility and business acumen, allowing me to merge creativity with commerce.
Absinthia Absinthe A New Chapter in New Orleans Absinthe Revival
In 2024, I embraced a new adventure, relocating to New Orleans—a city steeped in absinthe history and cocktail culture. This move allowed me to fully immerse myself in the world of absinthe, sharing my expertise with a community that truly appreciates its storied past and artistic influence.
I’m thrilled to announce that Absinthia Absinthe is now featured at Pirate’s Alley Café, an iconic absinthe bar in the heart of the French Quarter. Just steps from Jackson Square, I serve my award-winning absinthe behind the bar several nights a week, offering guests a firsthand experience of this legendary spirit in a historic setting.
Expanding the Absinthe Conversation – The Craft of Award Winning Absinthe
Beyond crafting absinthe, I am dedicated to educating and inspiring others about its artistic and cultural significance:
📖 Book in Progress:The Green Fairy’s Canvas – An exploration of absinthe’s impact on art history, from Impressionism to modern pop culture.
🎙️ Podcast Host:Green Fairy Tales – Delving into captivating absinthe stories, its cultural impact, and its revival in the modern cocktail world.
Through my work in spirits, storytelling, and history, I aim to deepen appreciation for absinthe’s legacy and inspire both newcomers and connoisseurs to explore its rich, enchanting world.
Experience the Magic of Absinthe
Ready to taste history in a glass? Discover Absinthia Absinthe, crafted with tradition, artistry, and passion.
Milestone Timeline: Absinthia’s Journey
1996: The First Encounter
Attended a San Francisco Cacophony Society event where I first experienced absinthe, igniting my lifelong passion for the Green Fairy. I began crafting small batches of absinthe experimenting with vintage recipes and herb blends despite the U.S. prohibition and using my art history textbooks from college to learn more about absinthe.
1997: The Bootlegging Begins
I served my first two bottles to friends at a party. I was first called Absinthia on April Fool’s Day, 1997.
2007: Absinthe Legalization
With the ban lifted, I seized the opportunity to turn my passion into a legitimate business.
2013: Establishing Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits
Officially founded Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits, dedicated to crafting high-quality, organic absinthes.
2017: First Commercial Launch
Released the first of four award-winning absinthes, bringing my dream to a wider audience.
2018: Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Absinthia Absinthe won Gold, our first medal, securing a place among top spirits and reinforcing my commitment to excellence.
2020: Expansion into Craft Mixers
Launched a line of non-alcoholic craft mixers, adding versatility and innovation to the brand, including Fairy Dust, our answer to our clients who love the flavor of absinthe but choose not to consume alcohol.
2023: Absinthe Bleue Breakthrough
Absinthia Absinthe Bleue, naturally colored with butterfly pea flower, won Double Gold and Best in Class at the LA Invitational Spirits Competition & Platinum at Chilled Magazine’s Spirits Competition.
Launched Green Fairy Tales, a podcast all about absinthe.
2024: Moving to New Orleans
Relocated to the absinthe capital of the U.S., further immersing myself in the culture and expanding brand presence.
2024: Green Fairy Tales Podcast Launch
Debuted Green Fairy Tales, a podcast exploring the rich history, cultural impact, and modern revival of absinthe.
2024: Pirate’s Alley Café Collaboration
Absinthia Absinthe is officially featured at Pirate’s Alley Café, a historic absinthe bar in the French Quarter.
2025: The Green Fairy’s Canvas
Upcoming book release, blending art history and absinthe’s cultural impact, solidifying my role as an authority in the space.
Testimonials
I can’t get enough of the Absinthia Verte! So richly flavored, it’s becoming my go-to.” reddit.com
“The craft mixers are next-level—Caged Heat adds the perfect amount of spice to any cocktail. A must-have for my bar.” – Mark S., Professional Bartender
“Absinthia’s Absinthe Bleue is the most beautiful, naturally colored absinthe I’ve ever had. A game-changer for the industry.” – Adrienne LaVey, Absinthe Influencer
Press Mentions
San Francisco Chronicle: “Absinthia Vermut is redefining the absinthe experience for a new generation.”
New Orleans Spirits Competition: “Award-winning, innovative, and true to tradition.”
Tastings.com: “A new school take on absinthe that is some of what you expect, yet pleasantly surprises with subtle nuances.”
Wine Predator: “A beautifully balanced absinthe that ties together history, innovation, and craftsmanship.”
Partnerships
Pirate’s Alley Café – Serving Absinthia Absinthe in one of New Orleans’ most iconic absinthe bars.
Wines Unlimited – Distribution partnership expanding availability in Louisiana.
Women’s Cocktail Collective – Supporting and promoting women in the spirits industry.
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation – Featured absinthe brand at industry events.
With a growing legacy of excellence, Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits continues to redefine and elevate the absinthe experience!
Craft Mixers
Caged Heat, Cherry Bomb,
Fairy Dust, Crimson Smoke
Absinthia’s Craft Mixers are your gateway to artisanal cocktail and mocktail perfection. Born from a passion for mixology, these nonalcoholic mixers are carefully crafted using only the finest natural ingredients. Each batch is blended with precision to ensure exceptional taste and quality, enhancing every drink with bold and balanced flavors.
Absinthe
Blanche, Bleue, Barrel Aged, Verte
Absinthia invites you to experience the timeless allure of absinthe. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a reverence for tradition, our absinthes embody the essence of artisanal distillation. Each bottle reflects our commitment to quality, using only the finest botanicals and traditional methods to deliver an authentic and captivating absinthe experience.
