Pastis
CoreMarseille / France, Provence / France, Forcalquier / France (Henri Bardouin)
Tasting Notes
Star anise (dominant), licorice root sweetness, fennel, light herbs, mild bitterness, honeyed warmth, hint of citrus peel. Sweeter than absinthe — the added sugar is noticeable. Henri Bardouin shows thyme, sage, and Provençal garrigue. Post-dilution: creamy, soft, mellow anise, refreshing. The licorice-forward character makes it more approachable than absinthe for most palates.
Brand Guide
Pernod (standard pastis, $22-28 — technically the renamed post-ban absinthe brand)
Ricard (the original pastis, $24-30, Marseille's choice)
Henri Bardouin (multi-botanical artisanal from Forcalquier, $30-40)
La Muse Verte Pastis, artisanal small-batch ($40-55). Ricard is the cultural touchstone — order a 'pastis' in Marseille and you'll get Ricard. Henri Bardouin is the bartender's pastis — more botanical complexity for cocktail work