Credit: Distillerie des Alpilles
The Distillerie des Alpilles, a small artisan distillery located in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, has just unveiled its second Pastis this month: 13 Desserts. It is a gourmand expression that pays homage to one of Provence’s most cherished holiday traditions. Following the bronze medal success of their first Pastis Le Tranquille earlier this year, this new creation captures the festive spirit of Christmas in the South of France with the same artisanal care and Provençal flair.
The “13 desserts” is an old Provençal Christmas tradition where thirteen desserts are served after the Christmas Eve dinner, representing Jesus and his twelve apostles. It’s a moment of abundance and sharing, where families gather around tables laden with dried figs, dates, almonds, candied fruits, and orange blossom-flavored treats.
This new Pastis translates that festive warmth into liquid form. 13 Desserts stays true to the distillery’s commitment to natural ingredients and artisan production: its recipe includes dried fruits, orange blossoms, and almonds. Like all their Pastis, it contains licorice. The distillery emphasizes that it contains no artificial colors, no preservatives and no artificial flavors.
Emilie and Julien Martinat are behind Distillerie des Alpilles, a venture that marks a new creative chapter after their successful years running the local bistrot, Chapeau de Paille. Continuing their story of terroir, they craft all their spirits in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence using predominantly regional plants and spices. Every step, from maceration and distillation to blending and bottling, happens in their workshop in the heart of Provence.
Julien and Emilie Martinat. Credit: Distillerie des Alpilles
With 13 Desserts, the distillery continues to expand its range, adding a seasonal expression that captures the soul of Provençal Christmas. And they’re not stopping there. The distillery has already teased two upcoming releases: Transhumance, described as “the shaded journey,” featuring hay aged in barrels for a month alongside wild sorrel; and Feria!, a vibrant red Pastis inspired by Camargue votive festivals.
The Distillerie des Alpilles is clearly just getting started.
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