Fleurier (NE) · Val-de-Travers · Switzerland

Absintherie Guilloud

Founded in Fleurier in the Val-de-Travers, the Absintherie Guilloud was officially established in 2008 by Daniel Guilloud, who had practiced the distillation of absinthe discreetly for decades before its re-legalization in Switzerland. Drawing on a family recipe inherited from his grandmother and a long tradition of clandestine production, the distillery produces artisanal absinthes rooted in the historic practices of the region, using carefully selected botanicals and traditional distillation methods.

Our Story

The Absintherie Guilloud traces its roots to a family tradition that predates the official rebirth of absinthe in Switzerland. Its founder, Daniel Guilloud, learned a recipe passed down from his grandmother, a formula more than a century old that he preserved and refined over decades of practice. Long before absinthe regained legal status, Guilloud distilled discreetly for many years, continuing the clandestine culture that kept the spirit alive in the Val-de-Travers during the years of prohibition.

After more than forty years devoted to distillation, much of it carried out in modest, improvised spaces, Daniel Guilloud officially established his distillery in 2008 in Fleurier, in the heart of the Val-de-Travers. The opening of the Absintherie marked the transition from secrecy to recognition, allowing a tradition once practiced quietly to be shared openly with enthusiasts of the Green Fairy. Today, the distillery continues to embody a living link between the clandestine era of absinthe and its modern revival in its historic birthplace.

Savoir-faire

At the Absintherie Guilloud, production remains resolutely artisanal. The spirits are distilled according to traditional methods and composed solely of plants, water, and alcohol, without the addition of chemical flavorings or artificial elements. This commitment reflects a philosophy centered on authenticity, where careful preparation of botanicals and precise distillation preserve the character of each recipe.

The distillery produces several absinthes rooted in the same family heritage, including emblematic expressions such as “Celle à Guilloud”, “Celle du Docteur,” and other distinctive creations. These spirits are known for their balance and aromatic clarity, often combining floral or herbal notes with a gentle bitterness characteristic of traditional Val-de-Travers absinthe. Through these expressions, the house maintains a clear identity: small-scale production, respect for inherited recipes, and a dedication to preserving the authentic spirit of absinthe.