Pastis de Saint-Tropez Edition Pétanque Pastis 12/12 | Provence

Pastis 12/12's Pastis de Saint-Tropez “Pétanque Edition” is much more than just an anise-flavored liqueur: it is a vibrant tribute to a Provençal tradition—that of playing pétanque under the sun at the Place des Lices, that iconic Saint-Tropez setting where camaraderie reigns supreme. Crafted by Cristal Limiñana in Marseille, founded in 1884, this artisanal pastis reimagines an old Saint-Tropez recipe by blending star anise, licorice, orange blossom, fig, and almond. Its flat bottle, featuring a retro-pop aesthetic and illustrated by Quentin Monge, is topped with a wooden stopper that can be transformed into a jack—a playful nod to the expression “12/12, match ball.”

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: The Pastis de Saint-Tropez Pétanque Edition of Pastis 12/12 , embodies the very essence of a pastis with character. The balance of this spirit is remarkable, with the power of anise never overpowering the delicacy of the almond.

The nose is bold and generous, dominated by licorice and star anise in their purest and most aromatic forms. Notes of candied fruit gradually soften this initial powerful profile, while a subtle floral touch, derived from orange blossom, adds a delicate and slightly tart dimension to this typically southern bouquet.

On the palate, the flavor profile is both full-bodied and fresh, carried by a balance between the aniseed’s intensity and the natural roundness of the almond and fig. The overall impression remains surprisingly light for a 45-degree spirit, thanks to a fresh and tangy finish that elegantly rounds out the tasting experience, leaving a delicate, long-lasting, and soothing impression of almond and garrigue.