Is Pernod the same as absinthe?

Answered by Amado Berg

Pernod is a brand of absinthe that was released in 2005 by Pernod Ricard. It is based on the original Pernod Fils recipe, which was the most popular brand of absinthe in the 19th century. However, it is important to note that Pernod and absinthe are not exactly the same thing.

Absinthe is a highly alcoholic spirit that is traditionally made from a combination of botanicals, including wormwood, anise, and fennel. It has a distinct green color and a strong, herbal flavor. Absinthe was extremely popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in France, where it was often consumed in a ritualistic manner.

Pernod, on the other hand, is a specific brand of absinthe that was created to emulate the original Pernod Fils recipe. Pernod Fils was renowned for its quality and was considered the benchmark for absinthe during its heyday. However, due to the ban on absinthe in 1915, Pernod Fils ceased production and the brand disappeared for many years.

In 2005, Pernod Ricard decided to revive the Pernod brand and created a new absinthe using the original recipe as a guide. The Pernod is made using a combination of botanicals, including wormwood, but it also includes some additional ingredients that were not present in the original Pernod Fils recipe.

The taste of Pernod can be described as similar to absinthe, but with its own unique character. It has a slightly sweeter and more refined flavor compared to some other absinthes on the market. The green color is also present in Pernod, although it may not be as vibrant as some other absinthes.

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and compare various absinthes, including Pernod. While Pernod is indeed a high-quality absinthe that pays homage to the original Pernod Fils, it is important to remember that there are many other absinthes available on the market, each with their own unique characteristics.

Pernod is a brand of absinthe that is based on the original Pernod Fils recipe. While it shares many similarities with traditional absinthe, it is not exactly the same. Pernod has its own distinct flavor profile and characteristics that set it apart from other absinthes.