The World’s most iconic Absinthe proudly unveiled stateside at an exclusive launch event last night in the Openhouse Gallery, SoHo, NY.
Damon Dyer from Death & Co. keeps the cocktails coming
At an exclusive launch event in the expansive white space of the Openhouse gallery in SoHo, New York, brand owner George Rowley and world-renowned absinthe historian Marie-Claude Delahaye played host to over 200 industry professionals including top mixologists and bar-owners from across the nation.
Tony Abou-Ganim watches the traditional La Fée Absinthe serve from the 2006 42Below Cocktail World Cup winning mixologist Michael Russotti
Installations conceived with Saatchi of London and inspired by the works of Toulouse Lautrec, Salvador Dali, Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet were on display for all to enjoy as well as a canvass proudly bearing Marie-Claude’s blessing of La Fée Absinthe Parisienne: This formed a fifth installation involving the traditional serve bar itself presented by 42Below Cocktail World Cup winner Michael Russotti. Bathed in soft green and white light our guests interacted with these works and one another, as their palates were pleasured by a range of drinks which embrace the qualities of La Fée Absinthe Parisienne.
Jonathan Pogash – ‘cocktail guru’ of the Bookmark’s Lounge, Library Hotel, serves Kevin Brauch of the Thirsty Traveller a La Fée Sazerac
Into the 2nd room; where our guests enjoyed drinks at the bar overseen by cocktail Guru Jonathan Pogash (currently working his magic at the Bookmarks Lounge, Library Hotel). Both classic and contemporary cocktails were served including the Sazerac and the La Fée Sour. Great Performances lived up to their name and presented a fabulous array of hors d’ouvres.
The Crowd look on as George Rowley and Marie-Claude Delahaye draw the lucky Winners of the absinthe inspired artwork
All senses were indulged in an evening which celebrated both the sophisticated decadence of the late nineteenth century; and embraced La Fée’s role as the architects of the absinthe renaissance. On the night we took great pleasure in entertaininng some of the biggest names in the industry including Tony Abou-Ganim (Bar Milano), Leo De Groff (mixology consultant), and Matt Gee (The Randolph) to name but a few.
George Rowley and Leo De Groff raise a toast to La Fée Absinthe Parisienne
And what better way for George Rowley to say thank-you than by giving the canvasses away to lucky individuals – in a draw by Marie-Claude. Both George and Marie-Claude signed the New York set of canvasses (the first ever commissioned), making for a truly memorable end to a hugely successful night.
Tad Carducci is the lucky first winner and selects the green Dali-inspired Lobster