Banned across Europe for most of a century, absinthe was reconstructed from surviving pre-1915 bottles by a scientist who analysed the originals molecule by molecule. Jade 1901 is that work made drinkable — the closest thing on earth to what Paris was pouring before the ban.
France bans absinthe. The distilleries of Pontarlier close, the recipes scatter, and the category effectively dies for most of a century.
The Analysis
Sealed pre-ban bottles are opened and studied in the laboratory — the aromatic compounds mapped precisely rather than guessed at.
The Rebuild
Period-correct herbs, antique alembics and the original methods are used to match what the analysis found, not to approximate it.
The Colour
The pale green comes from a second maceration of herbs, never from dye — and it slowly turns amber with age, exactly as the originals did.
What Sets It Apart
Grande Wormwood
The herb the whole category is named for
A 1901 Recipe
Rebuilt from laboratory analysis of pre-ban bottles
Pontarlier
Made in the town that was absinthe's capital
The Louche
Turns opalescent as water is added — the proof of a real absinthe
Tasting Profile
Anise & Fennel
Herbal Bitterness
Floral
Sweetness
Green AniseFennelWormwoodHyssopMelissa
How to Serve It
The Louche
Iced water dripped slowly, four to five parts to one
Sazerac Rinse
A few drops to coat the glass — the classic New Orleans trick
Never Set Alight
The burning-sugar ritual is a modern invention — and it ruins it
Pairs Well With
Dark Chocolate
Cocoa and anise are old companions
Oysters
A drop of absinthe on the shell is a Marseille tradition
Roquefort
Salt and blue against the herbs
Almond Pastries
Marzipan and anise, straight out of a Paris café
The Finishing Touches
Green Velvet Gift Box
Our signature presentation box, added at checkout.
Hand-Tied Ribbon
Wide cream satin, tied by hand into a full bow.
Signature Gift Bag
Our matching gift bag, so it's ready to hand over on arrival.
Your Message
Add a personal note at checkout — we'll include it with the delivery.
Sending it as a surprise? Enter the recipient's address at checkout and we'll deliver straight to their door, boxed, ribboned and carrying your message — in as little as 30–45 minutes anywhere in London.
How We Deliver
London · 30–45 Minutes
Delivered to your door 24/7, 365 days a year, across Greater London.
UK-Wide Delivery
Express in 1–2 business days, standard in 3–5. Rates shown at checkout.
Tracked & Confirmed
Shipment confirmation with live tracking sent to your email.
Challenge 21
Age verified on delivery — 18+ ID required. Responsible retailing, always.
At a Glance
Origin
Pontarlier, France
House
Jade Liqueurs
Style
Absinthe Supérieure, pre-ban recreation
Colour
Natural herbal maceration, no dye
ABV
68%
Bottle Size
70cl
Questions
Is absinthe legal, and is it hallucinogenic?
Entirely legal, and no. The thujone scare that drove the ban was never supported by the evidence — modern analysis of pre-ban bottles found levels far lower than the myth claimed. What made absinthe potent was simply that it is very strong spirit, and it was drunk in quantity. Diluted properly it lands around the strength of wine.
What is the louche?
As iced water is added, the essential oils fall out of solution and the spirit clouds from clear green to milky opalescent. It is not a trick — it is the physical proof that the herbs were distilled in rather than flavoured on. Watching it happen is half the pleasure.
Should I set it on fire?
Please don't. The flaming sugar cube is a 1990s Czech invention with no historical basis; it scorches the delicate oils and wastes a serious spirit. The traditional French serve is iced water dripped slowly over a sugar cube on a slotted spoon — or simply water, if you prefer it dry.
Who is this a good gift for?
The collector who has everything, and anyone drawn to the history of drink. Very few people have tasted absinthe made to a genuine pre-ban specification, and fewer still would buy a bottle at this level for themselves — which is exactly what makes it a memorable gift.
Can you deliver it directly to the person I'm gifting?
Yes — enter their address at checkout and add your message. In London it can be at their door within 30–45 minutes, any hour of the day. The recipient must be 18+ with ID for our Challenge 21 check.
Why Buy From Drinks House 247
✔ 100% authentic stock✔ 4.8★ Google · 223 reviews✔ Gift-boxed and ribboned✔ Open 24/7, 365 days✔ London's 24-hour spirits house, based in Battersea
18+ Please enjoy Jade 1901 responsibly — at 68% it is designed to be diluted. For guidance and support, visit drinkaware.co.uk.
