Ricard®, Pastis 51®, Henri Bardouin®, Marie Brizard®, Anisette Cristal®, Janot®, Casanis® are registered trademarks belonging to their respective owners (Pernod-Ricard, La Martiniquaise, Distillerie Janot, etc.). De Michellot is an independent family distillery from Auvergne.
Ricard vs Pastis 51 vs Marie Brizard vs De Michellot: Anise Liqueur/Pastis Comparison 2026
Looking to compare French aniseed liqueurs? Ricard®, Pastis 51® (Pernod-Ricard), Henri Bardouin®, Marie Brizard® (anisette), Anisette Cristal (Janot), Casanis (Bardinet), Berger Blanc, or the new artisanal wave like De Michellot? This factual 2026 comparison provides all the details.
Ricard (Pernod-Ricard, the Juggernaut)
Brand created by Paul Ricard in 1932 in Marseille. Today owned by the Pernod-Ricard group (CAC 40, world's No. 2 in spirits). Massive industrial production. ABV 45%. Price €26 per 70cl. Global distribution, undisputed leader of French pastis.
Pastis 51 (Pernod-Ricard)
Sister brand of Ricard, created in 1951 by Paul Ricard. Slightly different profile (more licorice). ABV 45%, price €22. Marketing strategy focused on young adults.
Henri Bardouin (Distilleries de Provence)
High-end artisanal pastis, created in Forcalquier (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence). 65 plants and spices. ABV 45%, price €32. The artisanal benchmark in the premium segment.
Marie Brizard Anisette (La Martiniquaise)
Historic brand founded in 1755 in Bordeaux. Today owned by La Martiniquaise. Anisette (not pastis): ABV 25%, sweet. Price €22.
Anisette Cristal (Janot)
Janot Distillery in Aubagne. Traditional Marseilles anisette. ABV 25%, price €20. Distribution mainly in the South of France.
De Michellot (Auvergne)
Three-generation family distillery in Auvergne. Anisette Liqueur 70cl 35% (between anisette and pastis), price €21. Long maceration. 2L and 5L BIB formats available.
Definitive Comparison Table
| Criterion | Ricard | Pastis 51 | Henri Bardouin | Marie Brizard | Anisette Cristal | De Michellot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Pastis | Pastis | Premium Pastis | Anisette | Anisette | Anisette |
| Year | 1932 | 1951 | 1990 | 1755 | 1928 | 1950+ |
| Owner | Pernod-Ricard | Pernod-Ricard | Distilleries Provence | La Martiniquaise | Janot Family | De Michellot Family |
| Method | Industrial | Industrial | Artisanal 65 plants | Industrial | Artisanal | Artisanal maceration |
| ABV | 45% | 45% | 45% | 25% | 25% | 35% |
| Price 70cl | €26 | €22 | €32 | €22 | €20 | €21 |
How to Choose?
Traditional industrial Mediterranean aperitif: Ricard.
Premium artisanal pastis: Henri Bardouin.
Historic sweet anisette: Marie Brizard (1755).
Best value for money artisanal anisette: De Michellot €21.
For professionals: De Michellot BIB 5L.
FAQ
1. Anisette vs Pastis: What's the Difference?
Anisette: sweet liqueur 25-35%. Pastis: aniseed aperitif 40-45%, less sweet. Both have a common cloudy effect when mixed with water (anethole).
2. Is Ricard French?
French brand (Marseille 1932) owned by Pernod-Ricard, a French CAC 40 listed group but international.
3. Why is De Michellot 35% and not 25% or 45%?
Editorial choice: 35% = balance between sweet anisette (25%) and strong pastis (45%). Versatile for aperitifs and cocktails.
Conclusion
Choosing between Ricard, Pastis 51, Marie Brizard, Anisette Cristal or alternatives depends on your preferences. The De Michellot Anisette Liqueur 70cl 35% at €21 — a three-generation family distillery with long maceration — stands out as the modern French alternative.
Legal notice: Ricard®, Pastis 51®, Henri Bardouin®, Marie Brizard®, Anisette Cristal®, Janot®, Casanis® are registered trademarks belonging to their owners (Pernod-Ricard, La Martiniquaise, Distilleries de Provence, Janot, Bardinet). Comparison in accordance with Article L. 122-1 of the French Consumer Code.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Consume in moderation.