Legendre Absinthe Label
The very rare, and short lived Legendre Absinthe label, used only from December 1933, through very early 1934, when the Federal Alcohol Control Administration objected to the use of the word "Absinthe" on the label, and would require Legendre & Co. to change the label. By March 1, 1934 Legendre & Co. would announce the new name, Herbsaint.
Early two piece Legendre Herbsaint label.The bottom Herbsaint logo was likely added to make the new label stand out, as the Herbsaint logo was transitioned into use in 1934.
A selection of Herbsaint recipe booklets, from the beginning to the Sazerac era.
From Left to right, original Legendre Herbsaint recipe booklets, from 1934, 1937, 1944, 1949.
Excerpt from the 1937 Legendre Herbsaint recipe booklet
French in name, French in origin, and French in its sophisticated appeal, Legendre Herbsaint is a drink distinctly European in character. Its very appearance differs from all other drinks. In its original state Herbsaint is a transparent greenish amber. Mixed with water or ice as in a frappe, Herbsaint becomes an opaque beverage whose gyrating whorls of coalescent strata have a distinct opalescent hue. This refreshing and delightful beverage pleases the palate of the connoisseur and man about town alike, and is reminiscent of the charm and unique appeal of New Orleans. in whose Vieux Carre it has attained its greatest popularity. To drink Herbsaint is to recall the glories of the past, to renew acquaintance with the romance and glamour of by-gone days of Old France and of that France of the New World-Louisiana.
Introduction
Following the repeal of prohibition in December 1933, there were handful of distilleries in New Orleans that revived the spirit of absinthe in New Orleans, this is their story.J. Marion Legendre and the Story of Herbsaint
Legendre Herbsaint is the longest surviving absinthe substitute in America, made by Legendre & Company, and produced in New Orleans for many years, Legendre Herbsaint remains a New Orleans favorite to this day.
J. Marion LegendreThe founder of Legendre & Company, J. Marion Legendre, was a prominent New Orleans businessman and pharmacy owner, his creation called Legendre Herbsaint, would become the best known and longest surviving absinthe substitute in America.
Follow the creation of Herbsaint in New Orleans
