This high-end gift box features a bottom and lid of rigid construction. The outer box top and 2 sides feature embossed silver printing, giving a rich, shiny silver finish on a matte black background. The inside of the lid features a Belle Epoque advertising reproduction, while the inside of the box base displays 19th century French craftsmanship, visible through the glasses.
Perhaps the most popular antique absinthe glass on the market today is the legendary Pontarlier glass. Although there were many variants from the pre-interdiction era (before 1915, when absinthe was banned in France), this style is considered the traditional Pontarlier absinthe glass par excellence.
The glass was originally made famous and named after appearing in an advertisement for the then No. 1 absinthe producer - Pernod Fils. The print ad showed Pernod Fils' hometown newspaper from Pontarlier, France, sitting on a table next to a bottle of Pernod and two glasses (see photo above). Thanks to a nationwide marketing campaign, this print was sent to bars all over France, adding to the recognition of the Pontarlier glass. The Pontarlier glass quickly became synonymous with absinthe.
The glass is made to the same dimensions as the original Pontarlier absinthe glasses, including the reservoir. The reservoir (located at the bottom of the glass) is used to measure the amount of absinthe to be added. This measured dose helped the bartender know the exact amount of absinthe to add, as well as showing the customer that it was an honest pour. The size of the reservoir generally corresponds to the size of the glass used. Water/absinthe ratios vary according to the drinker, but are generally 3 to 5 parts water to 1 part absinthe. The reservoir measures 25 ml (0.8 oz), which is standard for an absinthe glass of this size.
- The gift box measures 20.6 cm x 20.6 cm x 9.5 cm.
- The glasses are made of thick, mouth-blown glass.
- Each glass measures 8.6 cm in diameter x 14.6 cm in height.
- The glass contains 26.6 cl.
- The reservoir holds approximately 25 ml.
- The die-cut shape holds the lenses in place.