Pernod Absinthe Distillery

The Pernod we grew up with is not actually the ‘real’ Pernod. The real Pernod started out as absinthe. Anyway, in short – the creation of the Pernod we know today is a ‘liqueur d’anis’, with a lower ABV (than is powerful absinthe predecessor) and added sugar. 

As interesting as the absinthe/Pernod story is, we’re not here to discuss the background of either spirit (more can be learnt in the link below). We’re here to proudly pronounce that The Pernod Absinthe Distillery in the French Pyrenees approached Scarinish Studio to design a new ‘Salon’ in the distillery’s grand hall. Our idea was a striking central island bar, using the traditional, original tiles – modern design, elevated with existing materials.

A shrewd trick we played was in thanks to finding Absinthe’s old order books. By bringing them out of storage, we brought them back to life – carefully brushing them up and showcasing them on striking new bookcases. Absinthe’s ancient archives was now a major feature, to be admired through new eyes. 

For exclusive mini-distillation sessions, we created a lavishly appointed ‘lab’, which sat behind an existing Parisian-inspired glass screen. A place where bartenders could show off their mixology talents to guests. 

A clever pivoting back gantry was also devised. And to top it all off – a beautiful, classic pewter bar was built, with original Absinthe fountains taking centre stage, and Parisian (sourced from a local flea market) bar-top lamps, fitted within the fabric of the bar. Welcome to France’s new, traditionally remastered Pernod Absinthe Distillery.

Links

https://alastairphilipwiper.com/blog/the-pernod-absinthe-distillery-france