Founder Q&A: Absinthia's Bottled Spirits
Learn a little bit about Absinthia Vermut, founder of Absinthia’s Bottled Spirits.
Absinthia Vermut, yes that’s actually her legal name, is the 2022 Sunset International Best Woman Distiller recipient, and creator of her namesake line of highly awarded craft absinthe and mixers.
Only made legal in the US in 2007, following a ban since 1912, absinthe is probably one of the most misunderstood libations. Created in Switzerland in the late 18th century, it rose in popularity in France because of its association with the Parisian bohemian culture, and specifically with artists and writers such as Ernest Hemingway, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and James Joyce. It’s hardly surprising then, that the infused spirit, sometimes referred to as “The Green Fairy” and traditionally flavored with wormwood, anise, and sweet fennel, attracted Absinthia.
How did you discover absinthe?
I was introduced to absinthe in 1996. I have my bachelor degree in fine art, and was invited to a party hosted by the San Francisco Cacophony Society, celebrating art, music, and free-spirits. It was there that I tried absinthe for the first time, and was immediately in love with the Green Fairy.
How did you go from fan to producer?
I never thought I would own my own liquor brand. A friend of mine gave me the recipe following the San Francisco event. Unfortunately, his recipe included food coloring, and I wanted to create something organic and natural. I experimented, and started to serve my creation to my friends. It was then that my nickname, “Absinthia” was born as a joke, but I knew that I wanted to take this seriously. I enrolled in Babson College, earning my MBA, and launching my business in 2007. My first case sold in San Francisco in 2017 and I never looked back.
When did you officially become Absinthia?
I think absinthe was my destiny. I was 26 when I discovered absinthe. I was an artist, it was illegal, and it was cool. I officially took on the name Absinthia in 2015, but my last name Vermut, ironically originates from the German Wermut, which means “wormwood”.
What are some of the misconceptions about absinthe?
Glad you asked. The idea that absinthe is an addictive narcotic any different from any other spirit is just false. March 5th 2007, National Absinthe Day, was the day absinthe was finally exonerated and made legal in the US. Keep in mind that absinthe, just like gin, is distilled and infused with ingredients which have been readily grown and available for centuries.
Any suggestions for someone getting into absinthe?
Anise is a polarizing flavor like cilantro, some people love it and to others it’s just not their thing. We make our absinthe from a grape base spirit, and that helps create a smoother taste. You should always start by buying good quality absinthe; stay away from flavored and colored liquids. Play with it by adding water… but please don’t light it on fire, there’s no need to burn The Green Fairy. Likewise, though adding sugar was popular in France at the time, it’s not necessary, especially with the smoother and more diverse flavor profiles of absinthe available today.
What’s your favorite cocktail?
Tuxedo #2. It’s an “Improved Cocktail”, which means it’s a traditional cocktail that adds Maraschino liqueur and absinthe. I also like to use our Bleue Absinthe, which is infused with Butterfly Pea Flower, and mix it with unaged clear rye, which turns the mixture a beautiful purple because of the acidity.
