Les Verrières (NE)

Distillerie de la Vy-Perroud

Christiane Rey distills absinthe in the quiet heights of Les Verrières, continuing the discreet traditions of the Val-de-Travers. Her 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 founded by 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.

Christiane Rey now carries the distillery forward on her own, after the passing of René Jeanjaquet. Her name appears on the bottle, maintaining a direct and personal link between the producer and the spirit itself. Through her work, she continues 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 Christiane Rey, distillation follows the quiet rhythm of the valley. Since the passing of René Jeanjaquet, she continues the work alone, preserving the spirit and discipline they once shared. Her days often begin 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 her deep understanding of the plants and the traditional methods of absinthe production.

Her 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.