La Belle Orléans Absinthe Fountain, 4 Spout

This fountain is a wonderful reproduction of a vintage late 19th-century Belle Époque absinthe fountain. The glass bowl is mouth-blown, and the fountains are handmade.

Absinthe fountains were mostly used in high-end bars because of their expensive price tag. They were brought to the table, where the customer would prepare the absinthe himself. Absinthe fountains were (and still are) the preferred way to prepare absinthe, as one can perfectly control the rate of water. Unfortunately, due to accidents, very few fountains have survived intact with their original glass bowl.

• Instructions, history of absinthe and FAQs included.
• Accommodates 1 to 4 glasses.
• Measures 21.5" / 54.6 cm tall (with lid).
• Allows approximately 9.75" (24.7 cm) under spouts for glasses.
• Metallic plating over brass.
• Mouth-Blown, clear glass bowl.
• Glass bowl holds approx. 9 cups (2.1 liters) of water.
• Simple assembly required.
• Imported.

Proper use consists of: pouring an amount of absinthe (typically an ounce) into an absinthe glass, laying an absinthe spoon on top of the glass, and placing a sugar cube atop the spoon. The fountain lid is removed, fresh room-temperature water is added to the glass bowl, and ice is added. It is advisable to first add room-temperature water to the fountain before adding ice. Adding ice first could cause a thermal shock, which can crack the glass. The temperature change of the water must be gradual. The spigot is slightly turned, and the cold water is slowly poured or dripped from the fountain's spigot onto the sugar. The water dilutes the sugar, and the cold, sugary water drips from the spoon into the glass of absinthe, releasing oils and perfuming the air with fennel, grand wormwood, and anise. The combination also turns milky white as the water mixes with the anise in the absinthe. Refresh water before each use.

Fountains will accommodate more than one person at a time, depending on the model. The drink ratio varies from 1 part absinthe to 3 to 5 parts water, depending on one's preference.

After use, allowing the glass globe to adjust to room temperature is recommended before washing. If you intend to use the fountain solely with water, run lukewarm or room-temperature water through the spouts, then allow the water to empty from the spouts and glass globe. Never use very hot water, as it could shock the glass. Open all spouts, turn the fountain upside down, and place it on top of a kitchen towel to allow it to dry completely.

California Prop 65 compliant when properly used.

Upon receiving your fountain, we suggest washing it with warm or room-temperature water and a mild liquid soap. Do not use hot water. Do not put in the dishwasher.

After use, allowing the glass globe to adjust to room temperature is recommended before washing. If you intend to use the fountain solely with water, run lukewarm or room-temperature water through the spouts, then allow the water to empty from the spouts and glass globe. Open all spouts, turn the fountain upside down, and place it on top of a kitchen towel to allow it to dry completely.

If washing the fountain, use liquid dishwashing soap with warm or room temperature water.

Never use hot water to wash the globe, as it could shock the glass.

Handwash only. Do not place in the dishwasher.