Pastis Henri Bardouin

Appearance: Clear, aged gold in its natural state. Turns off-white and creamy with a yellow undertone when diluted. The opalescence is substantial at a 1:1 ratio, remaining visible up to 1:4. It creates a cloudy, dense, and pearlescent mixture. Aroma: A vibrant herbal scent when neat, featuring notes of licorice, mint, and florals like freesia and violets. Subtle hints of green Chartreuse, cardamom, and a pleasant medicinal quality are in the background. The aroma diminishes with added water. Flavor and Texture: The initial taste is herbal, sweet, and driven by anise, but it's not overwhelming. The anise character is intricate and refined, with woody and herbal undertones, complemented by a delicate floral element. The palate feels crisp and invigorating. It evokes the sensation of salmiak rockies stored with wildflower potpourri. The texture isn't creamy or heavy like absinthe, but it possesses a definite presence on the tongue. The finish is moderately short, with lingering anise flavors. There are no harsh bitter or sharp notes in the aftertaste, though it does conclude somewhat abruptly. This is a top-tier pastis. Henri Bardouin's complex formula, incorporating over 60 botanicals, is designed to enhance and support the star anise, the drink's central element. Reviewing pastis can be challenging as they often feel like lesser versions of absinthe, though still appealing. I miss the complex bitterness and lime notes characteristic of grand wormwood and melissa. However, pastis is much simpler to prepare, requiring just ice water and a few ice cubes. It serves as a more accessible alternative to absinthe, offering a calming effect that I find enjoyable as an aperitif or digestif, and it's wonderfully refreshing on a warm day. The producer, established in 1898, has evolved into its current form since 1974 and is recognized as a leading maker of pastis, also producing other liqueurs. If you're new to pastis, often called the "milk of Marseilles," Henri Bardouin is an excellent introduction. “Very Good”: 85/100 (4 stars)

This pastis is more perfumed than usual. It absolutely deserves its Grand Cru designation.

Definitely not to my taste.