Granier Mon Pastis (1L, 45%)

Granier Mon Pastis is a Provençal pastis, an anise aperitif made by infusing a neutral spirit with botanicals including anise, licorice root, fennel, caraway, coriander and vanilla. The brand was introduced in 1980, and the spirit is bottled at 45% in a 1 litre format. Add cool water and the clear golden spirit turns cloudy and milky, the louche effect that marks anise spirits. On the nose it offers licorice, star anise and fennel, with softer vanilla, honey and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is mildly sweet yet structured, with intense anise and licorice over coriander, caraway and warm spice. The finish is long and herbal, dry and refreshing.