ABSINTHE | Twice Distilled with Australian Botanicals

Absinthe's mystique pervaded the hidden corners of the Little Lon District, finding its epicenter within the dwelling of Mrs Alicia Bond. This intoxicating tale resurfaced during the 'great dig' of the Little Lon block, just outside our cottage at 17 Casselden Place.

Mrs Bond stepped into the limelight in 1862, marked by her operation of a "disreputable house", aka brothel, on Stephen (now Exhibition) Street. Despite losing her violent husband to tuberculosis and raising three children on her own, Mrs Bond continued to procure properties, the third seemingly innocuous - a grocer's shop.   However, the grocer's shop harbored secrets beyond its apparent commercial purpose. It was during the 'great dig' and examination of the premises refuse pit that an alternate narrative surfaced. 10 Absinthe bottles, along with French champagne bottles, imported spirits and 300 oyster shells were found - items that were consistent with an 1860's high class brothel.  But why would a humble grocer be discarding such items?  Our Absinthe is an ode to 'Madame' Bonds. A tenacious female, who despite stigma, used her store's front within the dim recesses of Little Lon to ensure her family's survival.

Creamy malt sweetness, strawberry gum, lemon eucalyptus, river mint, liquorice root, salt bush and anise myrtle.