An artisanal Provençal pastis from Liquoristerie de Provence, Le Pointu is a characterful expression of southern France’s great aperitif tradition. Built around the unmistakable aromas of anise and licorice, it is enhanced by a complex selection of Mediterranean herbs and botanicals.
At 45% ABV, Le Pointu is concentrated and intensely aromatic, designed to come alive when slowly diluted with chilled water. The result is refreshing, herbal, and distinctly Provençal.
Producer: Liquoristerie de Provence
Region: Provence, France
Country: France
Product: Le Pointu
Style: Artisanal Pastis
Alcohol: 45% ABV
Nose: Intensely aromatic, with star anise, licorice and fennel at the forefront, followed by fragrant Mediterranean herbs, delicate floral nuances and subtle spice.
Palate: Concentrated and expressive, initially dominated by sweet anise and licorice before revealing layers of herbs, spice and botanical complexity. When diluted, the flavors soften and expand.
Texture: Rich and almost oily when neat, becoming silky, refreshing and beautifully aromatic with water.
Finish: Long and persistent, with lingering anise, licorice, herbs and gentle Provençal spice.
Le Pointu is presented as a “Pastis Artisanal,” emphasizing a more traditional, craft-oriented interpretation of this classic Provençal aperitif.
Rather than simply delivering an intense licorice-anise flavor, the attraction of artisanal pastis lies in the interplay between anise, licorice, and aromatic botanicals, creating greater complexity as the drink is diluted.
The name “Le Pointu” also has a distinctly Provençal connection. A pointu is the traditional small wooden fishing boat associated with the ports and coastal villages of Provence and the Mediterranean.
One of the great pleasures of pastis is the transformation that happens when you add water.
Pour the spirit into the glass first, then slowly add chilled water. The clear or translucent liquid becomes cloudy and opalescent, releasing an intense wave of anise and herbal aromas.
This transformation, known as the louche, occurs as the essential oils from the anise become insoluble when the alcohol concentration is reduced.
For the traditional Provençal experience:
1 part Le Pointu Pastis
5 parts chilled still water
For a more intense drink, use approximately 1 part pastis to 4 parts water.
Pour the pastis first, slowly add very cold water and then add ice if desired.
Serve in a tall pastis glass or generous tumbler, ideally accompanied by a small carafe of chilled water so guests can adjust the strength themselves.
Perfect as an aperitif with Provençal olives, tapenade, salted almonds, anchovies, charcuterie, grilled peppers, goat cheese and Mediterranean tapas.
Its herbal, anise character also makes it an excellent aperitif before grilled fish, shellfish, and Mediterranean seafood dishes.
For guests who want to experience pastis beyond the familiar commercial names, Le Pointu is a particularly interesting choice.
Its artisanal positioning and unmistakably Provençal personality make it a natural fit for The Tasting Room. It offers both a drink and a ritual—the aromas opening and the appearance changing dramatically as chilled water is added.
For presentation, serve a measured pour of Le Pointu alongside a small carafe of ice-cold water, with ice on the side, allowing guests to create their preferred dilution at the table.
In Cayman's climate, this could be a wonderfully refreshing alternative to a traditional cocktail before dinner.
Best Enjoyed: Apéritif • 1:5 with Chilled Water • Provençal Style
