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The Green Fairy Takes Flight at Sydney’s New Absinthesalon
Much more than your average watering hole, Absinthesalon has just opened its doors in Surry Hills.
Your first stop is the gift shop, which includes all the fountains and Feuille spoons you’ll need. But the real attraction is the salon which lies just beyond.
The salon seats 26, and there is a water fountain at each table. Owners Gaye Valttila and Joop Van Heusden tend bar, but their responsibilities go beyond simply pouring drinks. They’ll give you the lowdown on absinthe, dishing dirt on why it was banned for a century, what ingredient makes your tongue numb, and the European rituals surrounding the drinking of this distilled herbal aperitif.
The bar offers 16 French and Swiss, one German, and one Spanish absinthe. But choose carefully, as the bar has a strict three-drink limit per visit. With the absinthes ranging between 45 and 74%ABV, that sounds like a smart move!
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Sydney drinking experience, which is just what I like about it. Leave the louts at the pub, and visit the Absinthesalon where the patrons take their alcohol seriously.
Trading hours: Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 4 pm to 10 pm
Location:
Address: 87 Albion Street, Surry Hills
Public transport: The Absinthesalon is a short walk from Central train station
Parking: Limited on street parking
Website:
Image used with permission from Joop van Heusden
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AAbsinthesalon
1 Comment
Thanks for the review, but all should know that we do not burn absinthe at Absinthesalon. No French or Swiss absinthe has ever been burned throughout history and we are strongly opposed to the burning ritual, it serves no purpose and is irrelevant to authentic absinthe. Please replace the photo to align properly with your review. If you need one just let us know.