Les Verrières (NE)

Distillerie de la Vy-Perroud

René Jeanjaquet and Christiane Rey distill absinthe together in the quiet heights of Les Verrières, continuing the discreet traditions of the Val-de-Travers. Their work reflects the spirit of La Bleue and the heritage of the valley’s clandestine distillers, combining careful botanical selection with early-morning distillation in a modest and authentic workshop.

Our Story

Hidden in the quiet heights of Les Verrières, near the French border, the distillery of René Jeanjaquet and Christiane Rey reflects the discreet spirit of the Val-de-Travers during the years when absinthe lived in secrecy.

The location itself recalls the era of clandestine distillation, when producers worked quietly throughout the valley to preserve the tradition of the Green Fairy. Even today, the distillery remains modest and difficult to find, echoing a time when absinthe was crafted away from public view.

Although both distillers work side by side, it is Christiane Rey’s name that appears on the bottle, maintaining a personal link between the producer and the spirit itself. Together, they continue a living tradition rooted in the culture of La Bleue, the clear absinthe that became the emblem of the Val-de-Travers during prohibition.

Savoir-faire

For René Jeanjaquet and Christiane Rey, distillation follows the quiet rhythm of the valley. Work often begins early in the morning, when the mountain air is still cool and pure and the botanicals can reveal their full aromatic expression.

Whether in winter, when snow crunches underfoot, or in summer before the sun reaches its zenith, the distillation takes place in calm and concentration. This attention to timing and environment reflects a deep understanding of the plants and the traditional methods of absinthe production.

Their absinthes are crafted from carefully selected botanicals and distilled with patience and precision, preserving the clarity and balance characteristic of the region’s historic style.