So, you decided to start drinking and serving your absinthe
like the "Big Boys" and you are going to buy your first Absinthe
Fountain. You have been
thinking about it for some time and already know your
Absinthe Fountain will be the centerpiece and most important part of
your absinthe collection (and also the most
expensive). The many different types and styles available can make it a
difficult to choose the fountain that is best for you. Here, we help
you discover the importance of the subtle nuances and distinctions that
separate the Different
Types of Absinthe Fountains.
Should I Buy
An All Glass Absinthe Fountain?
The
all glass style Absinthe Fountains are much lighter and more
portable than the metal and glass Absinthe Fountains.
They come in any number of spout styles ( 1, 2, 4 and 6 spout) and
require very little to no maintenance. They are also less expensive
than the Metal & Glass Style fountain.
Some people are afraid to buy an all glass absinthe fountain fearing that it will be easily broken. This is not true of glass fountains made correctly and of the proper glass. An all glass absinthe fountain should be made of borosilicate glass. Borosilicate Glass is the same glass used to make laboratory glassware and testing equipment. It is the best of both worlds. It is very light weight and extremely resistant to thermal variances and bumps and jolts. As a traveling companion, I recommend an all glass Absinthe fountain. Picture a little 2 spout that you can wrap in a towel and tuck in a suitcase for your away from home absinthe adventures. It will serve your absinthe from Hawaii to Jamaica! This style has the ability to alter the drip rate for your absinthe from 1 drop per second to a full stream. This is one of the reasons experienced absinthe drinkers prefer this style absinthe fountain. Below are some pictures of the more popular All Glass Fountains.
Popular All Glass Absinthe Fountains
Deluxe 4 Rozier 4 Aqua Fee Etienne 2
Should I Buy
A Metal & Glass Absinthe Fountain?
Metal and
Glass Absinthe Fountains are usually more expensive than the
all glass versions as they are difficult to manufacture. They are
however much more beautiful and ornate. When not in use, any quality
absinthe fountain will make a gorgeous addition to the decor
of any room. Due to their solid and sturdy construction, metal and
glass fountains are heavier and more difficult to transport. If you
need one you can move, I highly suggest a small all glass style.
The metal and glass versions are available in different spout styles
(1, 2, 4 and 6 spout) but anything other than 2 and 4 spout styles are
very difficult to find and may need to be special ordered. One nice
thing about this style is you can get them in Silver or Gold Plate but
you can expect to pay a higher price for the premium finishes.
Polishing may be required depending on the finish you choose and if you
want your new absinthe fountain to stay looking new. Some absinthe
drinkers like their absinthe ware to age and take on a patina and thus
avoid the polishing process. Any time you polish metal, use the least
abrasive product you can find. I recommend "Tarn-X" brand "Silver
Glaze". It has almost no abrasive qualities and leaves a protective
finish on the metal. The drip rate is just as controllable with this
style and most absintheurs will find their favored drip rate is easily
achievable. Below are the more popular Metal & Absinthe Glass
Fountains.
Popular Metal & Glass Absinthe Fountains
Lady 4 Bistro 4 Bistro 2 Lady 2
New
Fountains On The Market
There is a new, all glass absinthe fountain
that has recently become available. It is very inexpensive but not of
the best quality. They are basically a throw-away version of the all
glass absinthe fountain. If you are looking for something to use for
mixing absinthe on a temporary basis, this would be the way to go.
However, if you are purchasing any absinthe collectible you want to
keep, I suggest spending a few dollars on a piece that not only looks
nice but will work dependably for years. Here are a few higher quality
fountain styles to look for. Click an absinthe fountain name below to see
their photos or check out our "Featured Products"