The Moth Podcast Summary: "L. Gabrielle Penobaz: Bootlegger Blues"
Introduction: A Fascination with Absinthe In the episode titled "Bootlegger Blues," released on December 29, 2009, storyteller L. Gabrielle Penobaz shares her intriguing journey with absinthe—a storied alcoholic beverage known for its rich history and cultural mystique. Introduced by host Dan Kennedy at [02:32], Gabrielle sets the stage for a tale that intertwines obsession, creativity, and the pursuit of artistic inspiration.
The Allure of Absinthe Gabrielle begins her story by expressing her admiration for actor Donald Sutherland, particularly his role in the film "Wolf at the Door," where he portrays a character indulging in absinthe while engaging with Javanese women. This portrayal ignites her curiosity about the beverage:
"I’ve always had a crush on Donald Sutherland... I kept noticing this drink... I feel like I know what that is." ([03:24])
Her fascination leads her to explore the history of absinthe, discovering its origins in 19th-century Bohemia and its association with famed personalities like Oscar Wilde and Arthur Rimbaud. Gabrielle is captivated by the romantic image of the dandy leisurely enjoying absinthe from ornate fountains, blending sugar and water to savor its complex flavors.
The Quest for Authentic Absinthe Determined to experience authentic absinthe, Gabrielle encounters a setback when she learns that absinthe had been illegal in the United States since before Prohibition and remained difficult to obtain even after its repeal. Undeterred, she enlists an acquaintance traveling to Prague to procure a bottle. Upon tasting the blue-hued "Hill’s Absinthe," Gabrielle is disappointed:
"It tastes like Windex." ([06:10])
This unsuccessful attempt fuels her resolve to create her own version of absinthe, believing she can capture the true essence of the beverage that historical recipes alone could not convey.
Crafting Her Own Recipe Drawing inspiration from her mother’s amaretto recipe, Gabrielle embarks on crafting homemade absinthe. She meticulously follows traditional methods, using a mortar and pestle to crush the necessary herbs. However, her initial concoction still falls short, tasting like turpentine:
"It tastes like turpentine. That sucks." ([10:05])
Unwilling to give up, Gabrielle infuses her artistic sensibilities into the recipe, adding flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, cinnamon, peppermint, and ginger. This creative blend not only enhances the taste but also imbues the absinthe with a vibrant green color.
Hosting Absinthe Parties With her perfected absinthe in hand, Gabrielle begins hosting intimate gatherings. These parties emphasize conversation, philosophy, and artistic expression, mirroring the 19th-century salons she so admired. Her efforts gain traction, and the events grow in popularity, attracting "cool hunters" during the dot-com boom who seek out unique and trendy experiences.
"People want to converse, you want to philosophize." ([12:15])
Gabrielle integrates themed decor, live performances, and carefully curated music to create an immersive atmosphere. Her success leads to larger gatherings, eventually accommodating up to 300 guests.
The Climax and Challenges As her parties expand, Gabrielle faces unforeseen challenges. The influx of attendees makes managing the events increasingly difficult, leading to overcrowded spaces and diminished quality of experience. The climax of her story occurs during a particularly large party where chaos ensues:
“Next thing I know, I hear some chick go, 'Where’s this green stuff? Don’t you have any beer?'” ([14:00])
This incident symbolizes the downfall of her absinthe empire as law enforcement begins to crack down, deeming her gatherings illegal.
Lessons Learned Gabrielle reflects on her journey, recognizing that her pursuit of absinthe had transformed into an art form—a reflection of her identity as an artist. She acknowledges the importance of authenticity and the dangers of diluting her vision for fame or trendiness.
“Absinthe had brought me so many gifts. It became my art.” ([14:30])
Ultimately, Gabrielle learns to let go, understanding that true artistry requires trust in the creative process and the right timing for progression.
Conclusion: Embracing Artistic Integrity In closing, Gabrielle shares a symbolic gesture—a sterling silver absinthe spoon shaped like an ankh, representing the eternal and life-affirming qualities of art. This spoon was given to her bartenders as a token of appreciation and a reminder of the beauty inherent in artistic creation.
“It was meant to embrace anyone who came toward us and show them that they are absolutely beautiful.” ([15:00])
Gabrielle’s story, "Bootlegger Blues," serves as a poignant narrative about passion, perseverance, and the delicate balance between creativity and practicality. Through her humorous and heartfelt recounting, listeners are invited to reflect on their own artistic pursuits and the importance of staying true to one's vision.
Notable Quotes:
- “[...] It tastes like Windex.” — El Gabrielle Penovoz ([06:10])
- “People want to converse, you want to philosophize.” — El Gabrielle Penovoz ([12:15])
- “Next thing I know, I hear some chick go, 'Where’s this green stuff? Don’t you have any beer?'” — El Gabrielle Penovoz ([14:00])
- “Absinthe had brought me so many gifts. It became my art.” — El Gabrielle Penovoz ([14:30])
Final Thoughts "L. Gabrielle Penobaz: Bootlegger Blues" is a captivating story that blends humor, creativity, and introspection. Gabrielle's vivid storytelling transports listeners into her world of absinthe-inspired artistry, offering valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of following one's passion.