Wednesday, May 14, 2014
PERNOD ABSINTHE, A REVIVAL
The green fairy is back in its original version. One century after the ban, the spirit produced from wormwood returns in the closest possible recreation of the original Pernod Absinthe from 1805. After years of being banned, forgotten by history and time, the spirit once again flows from the copper stills.
Pernod Absinthe, A Signature
Inspired by the recipe from a 19th century manuscript, Pernod Absinthe is produced today following the traditional processes that were used to make it in the original distillery of Henri-Louis Pernod in Pontarlier, France.
In the copper stills in the new distillery in Thuir, the wormwood from Pontarlier and the green anise are distilled after maceration in a neutral wine spirit base. The 'heart cut' of the distillation is then macerated again in an aromatic bouquet of star anise, Melissa, petit wormwood, hyssop, and secret plants that give it it's beautiful green color.
Sources : Marie-Claude Delahaye. L'Absinthe, histoire de la Fée Verte », 1983 et « Pernod, Créateur de l'Absinthe », 2008.
An absence of absinthe
By 1910, France was consuming 36 million litres of absinthe per year.
PERNOD ABSINTHE, A CULTURE
Absinthe had established itself as the pre-dinner drink by the mid-19th century, with 'The Green Hour' known by all as the early evening moment to enjoy the drink.
PERNOD ABSINTHE & ART
Based on a painting by artist Charles Maire (1845-1919), for many years this art poster hung in nearly every bar and café in Paris during La Belle Epoque.
The Green Fairy returns
As more and more people seek to experience Pernod Absinthe as it was originally enjoyed during La Belle Epoque period, the tradition of The Green Hour, or L'Heure Verte
