Absinthe Pontissalienne

This naturally green Absinthe was released by the Francois Guy distillery for the Absinthiades 2011. Tastewise, this Absinthe has the typical powerful wormwood savor Guy Absinthes are famous for. Additionally, Pontissalienne has a slight peppermint smack in the background. As this Absinthe is colored with coloring herbs Pontissalienne is more "herbal" in comparison to the regular Guy. It has as well 56% alcohol by vol instead of the 45% of the regular Guy.

The brand name "Pontissalienne" existed actually already before French Absinthe prohibition taking place in 1915. However, it was an Absinthe produced by the Vichet Absinthe distillery. But Mr. Armand Guy, the founder of the Guy Distillery, made his apprenticeship there in the 19th century.

The history of the Guy Absinthe distillery from Pontarlier

We write the year 1890 when Armand Guy, aged 20, began to pursue his Absinthe career. His first strategic move was to locate his distillery at Rue des Lavaux. At this place an underground water source was located, which he used for the distillation of his fine spirits. The first customers were as well planned: Close by, the French Army had a military camp. With its constant waves of soldiers and its constant demand for alcoholic spirits, the camp was a major factor for his business success. It also helped to introduce the Armand Guy Absinthe to the rest of France and the Colonies.

Overall, Armand Guy really benefited from the golden years of Absinthe. Pontarlier became a major Absinthe hub, so big, that at the end of the 19th century no fewer than 23 distilleries were located in this small town. Pontarlier only had a population of 10,000 people, 3,000 were employed in the distillation of Absinthe. This of course changed with Absinthe prohibition taking place in 1915. But now, 100 years later, the 4th generation, François Guy (1964), successfully revives the Absinthe tradition which his great-grandfather created.