La Clandestine is a Swiss absinthe launched on March 1st 2005 when the Swiss ban on absinthe was lifted. The absinthe is a 106 Proof (53% ABV) Blanche Absinthe or, as its known in Swiss as “La Bleue.” While many absinthe brands are green and louche a greenish color, La Clandestine is a clear absinthe that becomes a cloudy white when louched with cold water.

In 2007, La Clandestine makes its way to Japan, UK and Canada and reaches the United States in 2008. La Clandestine can be found on the market for USD 69.99 to USD $74.99.

Since 2005, Claude-Alain's absinthe has become popular with absinthe lovers in Europe, North America and Asia. As it comes to the USA through more normal channels of distribution, some have asked whether, now that it is legal, it is now really “Clandestine.” By keeping its traditional name, it honours those who kept the absinthe fairy alive in Switzerland during the twentieth century and welcomes a new generation of drinkers.¹⁾

La Clandestine is based on a 1935 recipe by Swiss distiller Charlotte Vaucher which Bugnon had been circulating unofficially for several years prior to the Swiss lifting a near one-hundred year ban on absinthe March 1, 2005.²⁾.

• 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, Claude-Alain's Recette Marianne La Clandestine (a very slightly different blend distilled just for France) has won the Golden Spoon at the Pontarlier Absinthiades (this has been called the Absinthe Oscars since many of the judges are in the absinthe business).
• Forum Romand des Eaux-de-Vie - Best Label - Gold Medal.
• 2007 Distiswiss Gold Medal

• Absinthe Review Network
• EveryDay Drinker's La Clandestine Review
• Absinthe Devil's Review
• Liquor Snob's La Clandestine Review
• La Clandestine in the Hazelnut Witch Recipe Video
• Spirit's Review of La Clandestine

La Clandestine Absinthe