I have had French Absinthe, I am really looking forward to comparing the two! Perhaps I'll even cross the border to pick up a couple bottles of the French stuff while I'm so close...

I was under the impression that the controversey surrounding absinthe was due to the potentially high levels of thujone, the compound thought to be responsible for the effects of the drink. Modern analytical techniques have shown, however, that the levels are not likely to be as high as previously thought.....more or less harmful, no idea.

Chris

Look what you made me do - did a bit of 'scouting' for you this morning - spent lots of money and had a few - at 10am on a Tuesday morning. Visited Willy Bovet in Motiers to find out opening hours - and he happened to be there, and he and his wife + daughter made us feel very welcome. He was brewing a batch ready for distilling tomorrow. We talked about 'the old days' when he used to distill illigally, and about some of his many 'colleagues' I knew in the 50s and 60s. Visits have to be booked in advance, apart from Saturdays. He sells several home-made style of absinthe, glasses, fountains, spoons, etc. www.absinthe-bovet.ch info@absinthe-bovet.ch 0328612502. It's practically next to the railway station.

Then we went to Bezençon boissons in Fleurier, The are wine and spirits wholesalers, but grand-dad was an 'illegal' and they have taken up production. They have a nice collection of absinthes, spoons, fountains, etc. Prices are all very similar about 45-50CHF for a litre, 25CHF for half bottles (50cl) and 14.50/15.00 for a small (20cl)- they also have a hip flask shape small bottle. They also sell some French absinthes from just over the border. Arriving from Neuchatel from Couvet, turn left into Fleurier, then over the railway crossing, past the Chopard factory on your left, bear left and over the river bridge- go past the small factory on right, and it is immediately on right. (or from station, cross the road and cross Public Park diagonally, turn right, over bridge.. 3 mins).
bezençon.boissons@bluewin.ch www.absintherie.ch

As mentioned above, the gold medal this year was awarded to 'Celle à Guilloud- and their shop is in the centre of Fleurier, next to the Migros.

Yes, I thought thujone was the culprit, too and that modern Absinthe has lower levels?
Anyway, it's good stuff and I thought it's actually traditional to drink it with cold water and a sugar cube, dissolved through a small Absinthe "sieve" when pouring.

The Val de Travers is beautiful. Must go again soon.

Would love to meet if you do come over Leni. All those interested, keep the date of the Fete de l'Absinthe' free next June and lets have a meet up., 18th June.

Went to the 'celle à Guilloud' shop today, and they have small bottles for 5CHF, and others for CHF10, and hip flasks for 15. BTW you can join them on FB.

So, did you ever get there? How did you get on? Would be interested to know.

I would like to take a trip on the Absinthe Trail and buy a fountain. I think the spoons and fountains are so beautiful. Any recommendation on where I might purchase one in the Val de travers?