Giffard

Emile Giffard was a pharmacy owner in the town of Anjou, France, when during a heatwave in the summer of 1885 the owner of the neighbouring Grand Hotel approached, looking for some kind of solution to relieve his guests from the oppressive heat. Emile had been experiementing with mint with regards to digestion and refreshing the body, and had discovered a species of mint with exceptional flavour.

When distilled with steam the clear essential oils of the mint were released, enabling Emile to create a clear, refreshing liqueur. 'Menthe-Pastilles' was a popular brand of mint sweets at the time, so he named the liqueur the same. The drink proved so popular that he converted the pharmacy into a distillery that very year.

Maison Giffard remains family owned, and is in the fourth generation of leadership - as well continuing to produce Menthe-Pastille the Giffard family now macerate and distil a vast array of fruits, herbs and spices to create high quality liqueurs and sirops.

Grenadine is a syrup made from concentrated pomegranate - 'grenadine' originates from the French word for the fruit, 'grenade' - however other red berries can also be added, predominantly raspberries and redcurrants. With Giffard's version though, I suspect a couple of blackcurrants and blackberries have found their way inside as while juicy and sweet red fruit is the overriding flavour there's a sharper hint of black jam in there too. It's brilliantly balanced, with a fresh sweetness and a subtle tart edge that is not overpowering.