1129 Ridge Ave. Absinthe Traditionelle (69% Alcohol by Volume / Distilled from grapes) is made by hand in small batches using a small copper alembic pot still. Brandy is combined with wormwood, fennel, and anise then distilled with faithful adherence to a classic 1855 Pontarlier recipe that was once enjoyed in cafés across France. The big aroma of fresh fennel and anise leads to pleasant sweetness and herbal finish.