Vintage Pernod Fils Absinthe
Posted on March 22nd, 2010 by absinthejack
Recently I was fortunate enough to aquire a 50 ml. sample bottle of vintage Pernod Fils, circa 1910. It was extremely expensive, but I’ve always wanted to try a pre-ban absinthe so I decided to give it a go. The color is a beautiful dark golden amber and the aroma is very reminiscent of a fine cognac. As I added water the louche formed rather swiftly, at first turning a caramel color, and as the glass was filled it ended up a wondeful yellow pastel. Now as to the taste – I don’t have the adequate vocabulary neccesary to describe how awesome this is, so I won’t even try. Let me just say that over the past 10 years I’ve tried well over 100 different brands and this glass of Pernod Fils was the best absinthe I have ever had. If you ever get the chance (and can afford it) don’t pass it up. This was an awesomely sublime experience.
Tags: Pernod Fils, vinatge absinthe
March 22nd, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Jack,
Nice entry! Is this sample from where I think it’s from?
March 22nd, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Hi Brian,
Sure is, it’s the one I got from you. Thanks a million for the chance to try this. It was awesome
March 24th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
It looks wonderful! The louche looks thick and creamy. Was it? How would you compare it to say Jades PF 1901 since it is authentic Pernod Fils? Can you describe some of those differences in terms of flavor, aroma, etc so that those of us who have not tried a pre-ban would get some idea of the differences and similarities between the two? It would be great if you can! Thanks!
March 25th, 2010 at 3:26 am
You’re absolutely right, the louche was very rich, thick and creamy. As was the mouthfeel, the best I’ve ever had in an absinthe. I really wracked my brain to adequately describe the aroma and flavor in the post, but couldn’t. I decided to try again, so I had a glass of PF1901 as a reference, and to help the creative juices get flowing. You know what? I’m still at a loss. The aroma did smell similar to an excellent cognac, but I couldn’t detect any single herb or aroma. It was just too blended. The same with the flavor. I can tell you it was delicious, excellent, superb, sublime, but I can’t pick out a single herb or flavor. It had ONE flavor that simply couldn’t be diassected. I just can’t even compare it to PF1901 or any other modern absinthe. It’s kind of like trying to describe a color to somebody who’s been blind since birth. It just can’t be done. Sorry Lucy, you don’t know anymore than you did from the original post, and I’m not trying to be evasive, but I just don’t have any frame of reference for this remarkable drink. If you EVER get the chance, you’ve got to give it a try. I know you can get 2 3- bottles of modern absinthe for the price of one drink of this, but I guarantee you, you wouldn’t be dissapointed.
March 29th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
Sounds temptating. I also have a sample bottle of Absinthe Pernod Fils in my bar, I might have to open it now as well. But mine is from Tarragona, I guess it will taste less refined.
March 29th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
A while ago I had a chance to sample the Tarragona. Unfortunately the sample I tasted was nothing special. It tasted like your typical Spanish absinthe.
July 11th, 2011 at 12:49 am
I recently purchased an unopened bottle of Pernod Fils which was imported from France. It is NOT old. How much would a bottle like this be worth???
July 11th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
The modern bottles that say Pernod Fils on the label are pastis and not actually absinthe. They retail for about $28. If you want a great quality European absinthe check out our main site.
November 1st, 2011 at 9:56 am
Dein Statement lieber Antezessor finde ich paßen zur Problematik ob das aber die Breitemaße auch auf diese Weise sieht sollte bezweifelt werden.