Pernod Absinthe Supérieure 136 Proof

Product Description

Pernod Absinthe Supérieure 136 Proof: A Revived Original-Recipe French Absinthe

Pernod Absinthe Supérieure is the revival of the absinthe that made the House of Pernod famous. Henri-Louis Pernod opened his distillery in Pontarlier, France, in 1805, and this version was reformulated and relaunched in 2013 to be closer to the original Pernod Fils recipe, after a century in which absinthe was banned in the US. It’s bottled at 136 proof (68% ABV).

The brand says it’s made with wormwood plants from Pontarlier, distilled from a grape-based neutral spirit, and naturally colored green by the herbs. Retailers say it has no added sugar or artificial dye. Pernod Ricard says it follows traditional processes and keeps the thujone level within the legal limit. Retailers cite Best Absinthe at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

What’s in the Bottle

• Verte (green) absinthe, from Pernod Ricard
• Wormwood from Pontarlier, anise, fennel, and other botanicals
• Grape-based neutral spirit, with natural green color
• 136 proof (68% ABV), 750ml

Tasting Notes

From Pernod’s description and retailers.

Appearance: Clear with a green tint, which louches to opal with cold water.

Nose: A powerful wormwood note, refreshed by hyssop and lemon balm and softened by floral anise seed.

Palate: A fresh attack of wormwood softened by anise, then green, spicy, slightly medicinal notes, with licorice, sage, and mace.

Finish: A balance of smooth, almost sweet anise and the bitterness of wormwood, long and warming.

Wine Enthusiast notes it needs more dilution to tame the alcohol heat and bring out a faint sweetness.

Food Pairings

The anise and herbs pair well with oysters, anchovies, and smoked fish. It also goes with dark chocolate and fennel, and it’s the traditional pour for a Paris-style aperitif.

How to Serve

At 68% ABV, absinthe is meant to be diluted. Pour 1 oz into a glass, and slowly drip 3 to 5 oz of ice-cold water over a sugar cube set on an absinthe spoon until it clouds, or “louches.” It’s also the classic rinse for a Sazerac and the base of a Death in the Afternoon with Champagne. Sip slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What proof is it? 136 proof (68% ABV).

Is it the same as Pernod anise? No. Pernod liqueur d’anis is a lower-proof anise liqueur, and this is a wormwood absinthe.

Is it green? Yes, naturally.

Does it have added sugar? Retailers say no.

How do I drink it? Diluted with ice-cold water, or in cocktails.

What does “louche” mean? The cloud that forms when you add water.

Is it a good gift? Yes, for absinthe and cocktail fans.

Explore More

Browse our Absinthe collection for more, or our Liqueur collection for more herbal spirits.

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