Henri Bardouin Pastis Grand Cru

More than a simple aniseed spirit, Henri Bardouin Pastis Grand Cru is made with great care by Distilleries et Domaines de Provence in Forcalquier, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Its recipe uses 65 plants and spices, each one hand-picked and carefully selected, and the exact blend is a closely guarded secret.

The herbs that give it its character, including thyme, savory, sage and rosemary, grow on the wild Plateau des Mourres, at the foot of the Montagne de Lure.

How it is made The plants and spices are steeped in alcohol for anything from 15 days to three months, then drained or pressed. They are distilled in a traditional still, and the infusions and distillates are carefully blended and brought down to 45% with pure water. The pastis is then left to settle, filtered twice and bottled quickly to keep every last aroma.

Tasting notes Yellow in the glass with brown and green glints, with aniseed on the nose followed by spice. The first taste is fresh and direct, and the finish is rich and lingering.

How to enjoy it Add one part pastis to six to ten parts water to bring out its flavours. It is the classic partner for a Provençal aperitif, and it also goes well with fish, vegetables and spicy dishes.

It has no use-by date. Stored upright at 10 to 25°C and out of the fridge, it keeps its aromas.

Please drink responsibly.