Atelier Vie

Bookmarked this place without much thought. My initial reason for going was to try out the rye rice whiskey. After figuring out how to get into the building I was led into what almost looks like my old chemistry teachers lab for a product tasting. Regrettably they were out of the rice whiskey but fortunately they did have the Toulouse Red available and I tried that along with the Absinthe Verte and their gins. I love the small feel of the place and that it seems to be in an art collaborative. I wish more of the other spaces in the place had been open, there were some interesting looking spots. I look forward to my next visit there so I can finally try the whiskey but I walked out with a bottle of the Toulouse Red to add to my collection. As an aside if you want to see the wormwood that goes into their absinthe just walk out back and you can see it growing onsite!

This is a one-man distillery in an out-of-the-way industrial area. It's a labor of love and worth a visit. The owner greeted us and showed us around his small distillery space. He then took us in his office, where we sampled all of his liquors. I am partial to gin, and the Euphrosine 9 was quite good. The owner adds bay leaves to the mix, which gives an interesting savoriness. The red absinthe was new to me and also very good. The addition of hibiscus mellows the strong wormwood/anise taste with some sweetness. The green absinthe, made with the owner's homegrown wormwood, has a strong, pleasant taste.

What a great brand and fantastic product. It makes me proud to live in New Orleans. The distillery is small but they are doing things right. An uber friendly team who happily give tours and as much information as you care to imbibe. It is a fun and unique thing to do in New Orleans. Stop by The Art Egg building (4200-ish) Euphrosine St and 1001 S. Broad on the weekends ( Hours: 10am to 2pm, Saturday and Sunday). The gin is particularly good. As for the green fairy, skip the sugar but add the H2o.Available:Toulouse Red, 136 proof red absinthe, 750ml, $60.Toulouse Green, 136 proof green absinthe, 750ml, $60.Riz, Louisiana Rice Whiskey, 90 proof, 750ml, $50; 200ml flask, $20. [Reserve Riz.]Euphrosine Gin #9, 90 proof, 750ml, $30.Buck 25 Vodka, "Professional Infusion Grade," 125 proof, 750ml, $30.All sales taxes are included in these prices.Payment Details: They accept cash, local checks, and credit cards.

Just Go! While micro-distilleries are still light years behind the craft brewery scene, most small distillers have caught that wave and will be sure to offer their best theme park version of a guided tour in their establishment, compete with samples of their spirits hiding behind a sweet cocktail mix... Atelier Vie is special because the owner is going to walk you through his laboratory-like workshop, showing off whatever he is working on at the moment, and finishing with a tasting of each of his spirits with no mixers, at no charge!! It's clear that Jedd consistently chooses quality over quantity. It took a little effort to find, but that only added to the experience. The website has detailed directions on how to find it. If you're in NOLA, be sure to make the time to visit this place.

My wife bought the Rye Rice Whiskey for me and I have so far selfishly kept it to myself. On this Memorial Day, I am enjoying a neat shot with a beer. It is so smooth. I definitely recommend a Saturday or Sunday venture to get your taste on. Soon, I will host a party that features their Gin as the star of a family signature lemonade recipe.

The Toulouse Red absinthe is divine, just like the creativity of these distillers. Like gin? Hate gin? Doesn't matter. Their gin is lovely and palatable and the hospitality is just what you'd expect from our beautiful city.