Absinthe Pierrot

Absinthe Pierrot was a popular brand in the great era of Absinthe. A white clown, Pierrot means "clown" in French, was the eye catching symbol for this brand. This Absinthe was initially planned as a niche product, mainly aiming at the Parisian market by surfing on the world of entertainment, circus and the arts. But its surprising success favored its extension to the national market.

Absinthe Pierrot was introduced to the market in 1906 by the Abel Bresson distillery located in Fougerolles, France. Now, more than 100 years later the Devoille distillery, also located in Fougerolles, has relaunched this historical Absinthe using the original recipe of that time.

Tasting notes of Absinthe Pierrot

The dominant aniseed is shaken up by the combination of fennel and grand wormwood. All this is boosted by melissa, calamus and coriander, while angelica roots add the finishing touch. Absinthe Pierrot has a totally natural coloring thanks to a predominance of petite wormwood, enhanced by hyssop, melissa and nettle on the finish.

Who is the clown Pierrot?

Pierrot is a central figure in French culture and art, originating in the Italian Commedia dell'arte of the 16th century. Originally known as "Pedrolino", he became "Pierrot" in French theater and developed into a symbol of melancholy and romance.

Pierrot is characterized by his white face, his wide, white clothes and his sad eyes. In contrast to other comedic characters, Pierrot is often the suffering fool who is unhappily in love with the beautiful Columbine, who spurns him in favor of the pert Harlequin. This unhappy love story gives Pierrot a tragic depth that sets him apart from other comic characters.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Pierrot became an important figure in French pantomime and inspired numerous artists, poets and musicians. His character appears in the works of Jean-Gaspard Deburau, a famous pantomime artist, as well as in the poems of Paul Verlaine and the compositions of Claude Debussy. Pierrot became a symbol of artistic sensibility and romantic longing.

Pierrot's importance in French culture lies in his ability to portray complex human emotions. He embodies the themes of love, loss and loneliness in a way that is universally understandable. Pierrot remains an iconic figure who has transcended the boundaries of time and continues to fascinate artists and audiences alike.