Pernod and absinthe are not exactly the same, although they are related. Pernod is a brand of absinthe, but not all absinthe is Pernod. Let me explain further.
Absinthe is a highly alcoholic spirit that is flavored with various botanicals, including anise, fennel, and wormwood. It originated in Switzerland in the late 18th century and gained popularity throughout Europe, particularly in France. Pernod was one of the first brands of absinthe produced in France and became the most popular brand during the 19th century.
Pernod was known for its distinct flavor profile, which included a strong anise taste and a slight bitterness from the wormwood. It was often consumed by diluting it with water and adding sugar to balance out the flavors. This traditional method of serving absinthe, known as the “louche,” involved pouring water over a sugar cube placed on a slotted spoon and allowing it to slowly drip into the glass of absinthe.
However, in 1915, absinthe was banned in France and many other countries due to concerns over its alleged psychoactive effects. The ban was largely fueled by a moral panic and misinformation surrounding the spirit. It was believed that absinthe contained a chemical called thujone, found in wormwood, that caused hallucinations and other negative effects. However, modern research has shown that the levels of thujone in absinthe were not significant enough to produce such effects.
After the ban, Pernod continued to produce other spirits, such as pastis, which is a similar but lower-proof drink that does not contain wormwood. Pastis is often enjoyed as an aperitif and is typically mixed with water to create a refreshing and flavorful drink.
In recent years, absinthe has experienced a revival, and the ban has been lifted in many countries. Pernod has also re-entered the absinthe market and produces a range of absinthes, including their flagship brand, Pernod Absinthe. This absinthe is made using traditional methods and is crafted to capture the essence of the original Pernod absinthe from the 19th century.
Pernod is a brand of absinthe that was popular in the 19th century. While Pernod and absinthe are related, they are not exactly the same. Absinthe is a broader category of spirit that includes various brands and styles, while Pernod specifically refers to the brand of absinthe produced by the Pernod company.