The greatest world brand in Absinthe - Pernod is back with a bang.
According to legend, Pernod owes its origin to “Docteur Ordinaire”, a French doctor in exile in Switzerland.
In 1805, Henri Louis Pernod founded the first absinthe distillery, Pernod Absinthe, made from a great variety of plants, including the famous wormwood, enjoyed massive reputation both in France and throughout 19th century Europe. The Pernod Fils Company from Pontarlier in France began distilling the secret formula and the Pernod distillery was one of the first commercial sources for absinthe. The Absinthe Pernod was highly demanded and customers confirmed that the Pernod absinthe is a very fine brand.
Absinthe was the subject of much stormy debate, and was banned in 1915 in France. After being one of the first absinthe distillers in the world, the absinth prohibition after the World War I forced them to stop producing absinthe for many years. In the last decade, the law has been reverted and Pernod is back with its most original product. Absinthe Pernod is an exclusive brand of the upper elite class.The drink was referred to in France as “La Fée Verte”, or The Green Fairy, which is an indication to its dazzling green colour. The colour comes from the chlorophyll content of the herbs used in the distillation process; however, some infamous manufacturers add toxic chemicals to produce both the green color and the louche effect.Pre-ban Pernod Fils produced in Pontarlier, France is quite different from post-ban Pernod Fils produced in Tarragona, Spain. The recipe, manufacturing processes, and ingredients were similar; but variations in water and ingredients produced subtle differences in the final products. Production at Tarragona has ceased after 1938, when it was absorbed into the larger Pernod group.Absinthe connoisseurs say that the pre-ban Pernod Fils produced in Pontarlier France is the benchmark absinthe by which all other absinthe is judged on their taste and quality.
The year 1830 onwards, artists took Pernod Absinthe to the cafés of Paris. “Green fairy” got associated with artists and poets seeking new pleasures, and as a result became the strongest symbols of its period with its mysterious color and the enigmatic ritual surrounding it.
Pernod is now launching a new product - “Pernod aux extraits de plantes d’absinthe”. Like the original product sold in the 19th century, this new absinthe has an alcohol content of 68 percent and contains no added sugar, but with the stipulated thujone content as per law. It is made from the original formula and contains extracts of roman wormwood, wormwood and has a blend of other aromatic herbs.
What else can be said about the world famous and enigmatic Pernod Absinthe? It is the best selling Absinthe, very much sought after the connoisseurs. As regards taste, it is slightly spicy to start, but finishes smooth, like sweetened iced tea.
Pernod Absinthe has enjoyed immense popularity in the last years of 19th century Paris, with Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Verlaine and Oscar Wilde among its most ardent lovers.
