Absinthe - The Forbidden Spirit

Absinthe – The Forbidden Spirit by Tania Brasseur Wibaut (with photography by Tamara Berger) is an immersive and beautifully illustrated exploration of absinthe — its plant origins, its cultural history, and the people who continue to shape its legacy in the Val-de-Travers and beyond.

This book blends botany, craft, history, art, and gastronomy into a comprehensive and visually rich narrative that appeals to both Aficionados of the Green Fairy and those curious about its place in European cultural heritage. Written by a Swiss author with a doctorate in literature and a passion for traditional crafts, the book follows the journey of absinthe from its botanical roots through its heyday in 19th-century bohemian culture, its near-century of prohibition, and its modern renaissance.

Along the way, Brasseur meets producers and distillers who keep the tradition alive and explores stories that challenge myths, reveal regional practices, and celebrate the living heritage of the spirit.