Ricard Pastis (70cl, 45%)

Ricard is a French pastis, bottled at 45% vol, with a pale straw-yellow colour that turns opalescent when water is added. Paul Ricard created it in Marseille in 1932, using star anise with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The nose is aromatic, led by liquorice with a light touch of Mediterranean herbs. The palate is soft yet complex, with a rounded sweetness kept in check by a slight astringency. The finish is long, refreshing and clean. It is served as an aperitif, diluted with five parts cold water to one part Ricard and a few ice cubes. It can also be used in cocktails that call for an aniseed note.