B-A-R Jo Pastis

Overview: The B-A-R Jo Pastis at a glance

• Burgundy’s first pastis: From the young Clos Saint Joseph distillery
• Fair Trade & ethically conscious: Clos Saint Joseph maintains Fair Trade partnerships
• A French original: Especially enjoyable as an aperitif
• Features star anise, green anise, licorice, and 35 other botanicals
• Made with Fair Trade star anise from Cambodia and vanilla from Madagascar
• Founded in 2014 by Charles-Guillaume and Blandine Simon

Portrait: What makes  the B-A-R Jo Pastis special

Anyone who thinks exclusively of wine when it comes to Burgundy hasn't reckoned with B-A-R Jo Pastis. While the famous vineyards around Meursault usually take center stage for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the young Clos Saint Joseph distillery decided—quite simply—that a pastis would be a great idea. And so, Burgundy’s first pastis was born.

Behind Clos Saint Joseph are Charles-Guillaume and Blandine Simon, who founded the family business in 2014 together with their five children.

At first glance, this sounds like quite a major family undertaking—and indeed, the process involves not just distilling together but also adhering to a clear philosophy. This small distillery from Meursault focuses on artisanal production and places great importance on carefully selected raw materials. A wide array of botanicals comes together in B-A-R Jo Pastis; alongside star anise, green anise, and licorice, the recipe features a total of 35 other ingredients. These include coriander, juniper, and Bourbon vanilla, among others—an ingredient list that might make even your spice cabinet pause and wonder if everyone was truly invited. The Simon family also places great importance on the origin of their ingredients. Clos Saint Joseph works with Fair Trade partners in Cambodia for star anise and with partners in Madagascar for Bourbon vanilla and pepper. In doing so, the distillery combines French craftsmanship with a global perspective. B-A-R Jo Pastis is visually striking, too: it presents itself in a lustrous cream hue, bringing a touch of elegance to the glass.

Naturally, Pastis makes its classic appearance as an aperitif—traditionally served with ice and diluted with a little water. Yet, this is only fitting: if Burgundy is going to create its own Pastis, it certainly deserves to be presented in style.

B-A-R Jo Pastis is a wonderful example of how the French culture of indulgence doesn't stop at the borders of Provence. It turns out that in Meursault, they excel at more than just wine—they clearly craft a very impressive Pastis, too.

Tasting Notes: This is how the B-A-R Jo Pastis tastes like

• Nose: Aromatic and multi-layered, with distinct fresh star anise taking center stage. Fresh herbal notes unfold beneath, accompanied by a subtle hint of vanilla. Overall, the bouquet is lively, herbaceous, and pleasantly complex.
• Palate: Soft and spicy on the palate. The anise is prominent but accompanied by a wide array of fresh herbal notes. Subtle hints of vanilla and juniper join in, lending the Pastis added depth and character.
• Finish: The finish is aromatic and pleasantly lingering. Anise and herbs remain present at first, while vanilla and juniper slowly recede into the background. A spicy, delicately herbal aftertaste remains.