The Absinthe Bootleggers of Val de Travers

This chapter explores the rich history of absinthe bootlegging in Switzerland's Val de Travers, detailing how locals creatively navigated bans to continue production. It highlights the resurgence of absinthe in the 1990s due to a legal loophole, sparking renewed interest and advocacy for legalization. The chapter also unveils the complexities of collecting pre-ban absinthe, including tales of deceit from counterfeit sellers who misled connoisseurs with false claims.