The Steampunk World's Fair

A hands on workshop about the true history of the famed spirit Absinthe, with a demonstration of actual absinthe antiques used in 19th century cafés and bistros. Author and absinthe scholar S. B. MacDonald will discuss the mythology, truths, and details of absinthe’s banning and reintroduction a century later. Watch absinthe being prepared authentically and correctly in the magical pieces from MacDonald’s book, Absinthe Antiques: A collection from la Belle Époque. These are genuine pieces from the very era from which Steampunk is derived! Attendees will prepare glasses of both Verte and blanche (green and white) absinthes for themselves, using reproduction fountains, glasses and spoons, then mingle and enjoy their glasses during the party after the presentation.
World-class Swiss Absinthes La Clandestine and Butterfly, two of the highest regarded absinthes being made in the world, will be shared with the guests! The regional distributor of these fine absinthes, Brendan Edwards, will also be on hand and involved, and will be presenting a functioning miniature copper alembic that was actually used to produce the first batch of Butterfly. This piece was not created to evoke the era of Steampunk… it is a functional example of the genre, in the real world. Approx 90 minutes. SOLD OUT.