NEW YORK, Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- As the authoritative voice of the burgeoning absinthe category, today Pernod® Aux Plantes d'Absinthe Superieure, the creator of the mystical Parisienne spirit, introduces an artful new interactive website and debuts a national "Creator Of" art contest seeking the next generation of artists. In an effort to educate absinthe novices and experts alike on its storied and legendary past, the recently launched www.pernodabsinthe.com will serve as the hub for everything from the history of the "Green Fairy" to modern day cocktail interpretations. To honor its heritage, the "Creator Of" art competition pays homage to the great masters of the Impressionist era by seeking out 21st century artists to create their own absinthe-inspired masterpieces.

A Storied History Unveils Itself

The brand's elegant new website offers visitors an informative glimpse into the past, present and future of absinthe culture. An interactive tool for consumers, trade and media, the website tells the story of Pernod's colorful history, offers how-to's on consumption, cocktail recipes, as well as press information and imagery for download. A highlight of the website is a section entitled "Art,' which offers a comprehensive overview of Pernod's influence on 19th Century art and literary legends, including Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, Manet, Van Gogh and Degas. The site focuses on artists that not only enjoyed Pernod, but created paintings featuring drinkers or the famous "Pernod Fils" bottle. Today, Pernod maintains a strong relationship with the art community as a patron of contemporary arts.

Inspiration in a Green Bottle

Hosted on its Facebook page and website, the "Creator Of" art contest will award the First Place winner with $1,805 (the year Pernod Fils began distilling in France); second place $500; and third place $250. A celebratory event is being planned concurrent with The Armory Show, the annual international art fair, in New York City. There are two main requirements for submissions: all pieces must be original works and all works must include the date 1805.

Submissions are being accepted through January 31, 2010, in the following categories: Painting, Illustration, Photography, Video, Digital/Animation. Submissions will be accepted entirely online at www.facebook.com and www.pernodabsinthe.com. Judging will take place in February 2010, followed by the winner's announcement in March 2010. For more information, become fans of Pernod Aux Plantes d'Absinthe Superieure on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pernodabsinthe.com.

About Pernod Aux Plantes d'Absinthe Superieure

Pernod® Aux Plantes d'Absinthe Superieur is based on the original absinthe recipe and today returns to restore its reputation for quality and handcrafted excellence. This 136 proof spirit is distilled from three primary ingredients, Grande Wormwood, Fennel, and Star Anis producing a light green and hint of amber color with a dominant flavor of anis, balanced with wormwood and a citrusy finish.

PERNOD® Aux Plantes. 68% Alc./Vol. (136 Proof) ©2009 Imported by Pernod Ricard USA, Purchase, NY

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT® Vodka brand from the V &S Group, and Pernod Ricard USA is now the second leading company in the U.S. by sales value.

In addition to ABSOLUT®, Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Beefeater® Gin, Martell(TM) Cognac, Malibu® flavored Rum, Kahlua® Liqueur, Hiram Walker(TM) Liqueurs, Pernod® and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek® and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier Jouet® Champagne, G.H. Mumm® Champagne and Mumm Napa(TM) wines.

The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org

SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA

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