The Spirit of France since 1805. In 1805, Henri-Louis Pernod first created what was to become the most celebrated spirit on the cafe terraces of 19th Century Paris. Many famous artists, painters, poets and writers discovered its charms and their works included several references to their taste for this new aperitif. The secret of Pernod's unique taste is well kept, but its flavour is derived from a distillation of star anise and aromatic plants and herbs.