Step into History...
When Distillerie Lemercier was born during the Napoleonic Empire, at the foot of the Vosges, the region was entering its golden period, particularly because of its special attraction, the Thermal Baths at Plombières-les-Bains. During the 1st Empire, it was not unusual to see the Bonapartes in the most renowned spa towns in France, Germany and Italy... But Plombières was one of the most loved by the family!
In 1809, Empress Josephine and her daughter Hortense met up for the first time in Plombières, with Hortense’s children and heirs to the throne, including Charles-Louis Napoleon, future Napoleon III. The whole town of Plombières hailed the arrival of this imperial line, which attracted much curiosity, and bestowed a certain reputation on the Plombières baths.
Napoleon III
It was only 47 years later, in 1856, that Napoleon III decided to return to this spa in the Vosges, both to repeat a family tradition but also to soothe his rheumatism. His number of stays grew, and the renovation works began, both on the Thermal Baths and the town, including its gardens, its hotels... the region was already known for the richness of its earth and the know-how of its distillers, but the presence of the Emperor only made Vosges’ reputation grow as it was taken by storm by one of the world’s great men. It was under the reign of Napoleon III that Absinthe had its golden age. Still relatively expensive at the time, it was above all the bourgeoisie’s drink of choice. Later it became more popular, representing 90% of aperitifs consumed!
Distillerie Lemercier Frères
Not far from there, just a few kilometers from Plombières, is Fougerolles, birthplace of Distillerie Lemercier Frères!
In the 19th century, while Absinthe made many distilleries rich, including Lemercier, it was accused of causing all of society’s ills and was the subject of lively debates, until it was finally banned in 1915 under the pressure of the powerful wine growers’ lobby, and in the name of the fight against alcoholism.
Numerous substitutes tried to take the place of Absinthe and it was finally a simple modification of the recipe that allowed Pastis to be born in 1923...and this is how Distillerie Lemercier’s Pastis was marketed!
Pastis 1811
Subtly perfumed, Pastis 1811 is unique due to its freshness and smoothness.
Pastis 1811 is a truly traditional Pastis, produced by macerating and distilling (under controlled temperature) various carefully selected seeds and plants (wormwood, mugwort, gentian, liquorice, star anise...).
Nine month minimum aging of the distillate after blending, in tanks in the granary.
Tasting notes:
- Nose: sweet liquorice note, harmony of scents, no harshness.
- Palate: in three stages - aniseed note, herbal/floral note, liquorice note, a very harmonious sensation for the palate, both elegant and subtle.
