Absintherie, Prague

Outlawed across much of the Western realm for ages, absinthe remained a steadfast favorite and legally produced elixir in the Czech Republic, where its distillation and distribution have persisted for nearly 150 years. Indeed, some connoisseurs trace the modern resurgence of interest in absinthe back to 1989, when the Velvet Revolution unfurled the country's gates to Western voyagers, who eagerly imbibed in the spirit's intoxicating allure.

Traditionally cherished by painters, writers, and the bohemian intelligentsia, absinthe now proliferates throughout Prague, taking over the shelves of liquor stores and supermarkets in a kaleidoscopic array of hues and varieties. As a rule of thumb, the more vibrant the hue, the lower the quality—one ought to steer clear of concoctions resembling red or green antifreeze. Reigning supreme as the pinnacle of quality, albeit the most exorbitant, is King of Spirits, hailing from Prádlo, a quaint hamlet nestled in western Bohemia.

For a firsthand foray into the realm of superior absinthe, look no further than the Absintherie, where a cornucopia of premium blends awaits your discerning palate. Here, amidst a vintage trove of bottled elixirs, patrons may embark on a journey of libation exploration, venturing even unto the realm of audacious concoctions like the absinthe martini. Moreover, an onsite museum offers a captivating journey through the annals of absinthe history, showcasing vintage advertisement posters, antique bottles, and ornate absinthe spoons.