Liqueur Cabinet: A Series of Libations featuring Madison Cellars liqueur selections; Part 4

Pernod

the legacy of Absinthe




A Brief History 


• The first generation of Pernod®, an absinthe, was created in 1792 by a French physician who used the formula as a medicinal remedy for his patients.(Ed. note like so many)

• Henri-Louis Pernod acquired the absinthe formula and founded Pernod-Fils, an absinthe manufacturing company, eventually renaming the drink Pernod.

• The original Pernod consisted of 65-75% alcohol and the notorious hallucinogen, absinthe “Arthemisia Absinthium,” which gave Pernod a distinct reputation around the world. 

• After the imposition of a French ban on wormwood due to its hallucinogenic effects in 1915, the absinthe formula was modified, resulting in Pernod as we know it today – a 40% alcohol (80 proof) anise-flavored spirit. Its distinctive flavor is created through a combination of star anise and fennel and 14 aromatic herbs including camomile, coriander and veronica.

• Pernod is now distributed in over 170 countries, ranking among the top selling anise-flavored spirits in the world.


Cooking With Pernod

• Not only has Pernod become an internationally popular aperitif, but it is also commonly used as a zesty cooking ingredient in kitchens throughout the world.

• It is known to enhance vegetables, flavor any dish with a subtle hint of herb, or lend the perfect combination of sweetness and spice to dessert.

• In France, the vast majority of aniseed spirits are in fact “Pastis,” which is a complex, yet subtle aniseed and licorice combination, produced through maceration. Pernod is made through distillation and contains only a hint of licorice, which provides a lighter taste that makes it extremely versatile for cooking.

• Pernod is used by chefs worldwide for its ability to flavor the meal without overpowering its natural taste.

• It is best added at the end of the cooking process to yield the best flavor.


Pernod Product Description:

Pernod is a versatile, anise-flavored spirit that has been used in cocktails and cuisine for more than 200 years.  This premium liqueur is imported from France and its natural flavor is derived from a distilled blend of aromatic herbs - 40% Alc./Vol.

Tasting Notes:
Color:
Brilliant yellow color with radiant clarity.

Nose: The nose reveals waves of anise, fresh garden herbs, carnations, fennel and licorice.

Taste: The exotic bouquet, when tasted neat, is potent and bittersweet. With the addition of water, it turns milky-opaque and has a long, licorice-like finish.
(Source: http://www.foodreference.com/html/a-pernod.html)

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