ABSINTHE ACCESSORIES - Absinthe Fountains, Glasses & Spoons
Absinthe Fountains
Your Absinthe Fountain Set will be the center of attention for all of your social gatherings. As such, you'll want one that is beautiful, functional and just right for your taste and decor. Learning a little about absinthe fountains before you buy will assist the process of finding that perfect piece for your absinthe collection.
Most Absintheurs have tried mixing absinthe using water carafes or an absinthe dripper or brouilleur. Both of these work well for mixing absinthe. But once you've become familiar with the louching process, you realize a fountain is not only a time saver but will prepare a better tasting drink. Depending on the style and quality of the absinthe fountain you choose, pricing can range from $100 to $1000 so making an informed choice is most important. Let's look at some of the criteria involved in absinthe fountain selection. Absinthe Fountains - How Many Spigots
The number of spigots (or Robinettes) depends on visual aesthetics, intended placement and type of use. Some prefer a 6 spigot absinthe fountain to a 4 spigot fountain as it appears more visually balanced. Conversely, others find a 4 spout more appealing as it is slightly smaller in size on 2 sides due to the lack of extra spigots.
Height and width are especially important as you will likely display your Absinthe fountain when not in use. Quality fountains add a touch of distinction to any room and most consider them a piece of decor as well as bar ware. |
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The number of people using the fountain is also important when considering spigot quantity. It takes 3-5 minutes to louche one glass of absinthe. You do not want to rush the process nor do you want people waiting in line to use the fountain. If you are a restaurant/bar or having a large party, a 4-6 spout is is likely best suited. 2-4 users will be happy with a 1-2 spout absinthe fountain
Metal & Glass vs All Glass Absinthe Fountains
Another important decision you will make when choosing your fountain is whether you prefer a Metal & Glass Fountain or an All Glass Fountain. A topic of considerable discussion, the functionality of each is identical. While some absintheurs say the metal and glass are period accurate while the all glass are more modern, the important differences do not end there.
Metal & Glass Absinthe Fountains
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Although new metal absinthe fountains are no longer an option due to quality issues (see top of page), older metal absinthe fountains are still available. USE CAUTION IF PURCHASING A NEW METAL FOUNTAIN.
Metal and glass style absinthe fountains are much heavier than their all glass counterparts making them very difficult to transport safely. Moving them is not impossible but is much more difficult than the all glass style. If you need to transport your fountain, pay special attention to protecting the glass bowl as they are difficult to replace. Usually far more expensive than an all glass absinthe fountain, metal fountains often become heirlooms and are handed down over generations. Little maintenance is required for a metal absinthe fountain. As a matter of fact, a quick wipe down after use is usually all that is required. Most owners do not polish the metal as an acquired patina can lend quite a desirable look. If you do decide to polish your fountain, always use the least abrasive product available such as a polish intended for silver like Maas brand polish. |
Glass Absinthe Fountains
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NOTE: All glass absinthe fountains are produced using 2 kinds of glass. Borosilicate or Soda-Lime. Borosilicate is by far superior in strength, temperature resistance and appearance. It is the same glass laboratories use for beakers and test tubes etc. Borosilicate absinthe fountains are also more expensive (2-3 times more costly). Don't be afraid to purchase a soda-lime glass fountain. Just be aware of the visually noticeable difference in quality and durability.
Rule of thumb: If you intend to keep the fountain, it is worth the extra cost for borosilicate glass. How to tell if a fountain is borosilicate or soda-lime? If the type of glass is not listed, it is likely soda-lime. If the price is unusually low, it is likely soda lime. If it is on Ebay or Amazon, it is likely soda-lime. CAUTION: There are currently soda-lime glass fountains with on Ebay and Amazon with inflated prices attempting to fool people into thinking they're borosilicate! Always use caution when purchasing from Amazon or Ebay as they have both been saturated with low quality absinthe pieces. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. |
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Absinthe Fountain Sets
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Lastly, when purchasing an absinthe fountain, you should consider purchasing the items together as a set. It is usually a money saver to purchase all of your items as an absinthe fountain as a set.
Fountain sets will often include everything you need to drip and enjoy your absinthe. Most sets will include the fountain, glasses and spoons with some sites allowing you to pick your own glass and spoon style. The price difference between a fountain and its equivalent set will usually save you a considerable amount of money over purchasing the pieces individually. Just search google for "absinthe Fountain sets". |
