FRENCH SPIRITS
Calvados
The Apple Brandy of Normandy
Calvados is the apple brandy of Normandy, produced from cider apples in the lush orchards of northern France. Aged in oak barrels, it develops from a fresh, fruity spirit into something of extraordinary complexity — rich with baked apple, vanilla, spice, and a depth that rivals the finest Cognac.
"Calvados is the taste of Normandy in a glass — apple orchards, sea air, and the patience of oak ageing distilled into something uniquely French."
REGION
Normandy, with three AOCs: Calvados (the broadest), Calvados Pays d'Auge (the finest, double-distilled), and Calvados Domfrontais (pear-heavy, column-distilled).
PRODUCTION
Made from fermented apple cider (and sometimes pear cider), distilled in pot stills (Pays d'Auge) or column stills, and aged in oak. A minimum of two years ageing is required.
CLASSIFICATIONS
- · Fine/VS: 2 years minimum
- · Vieux/Réserve: 3 years minimum
- · VO/Vieille Réserve/VSOP: 4 years minimum
- · XO/Extra/Napoléon/Hors d'Âge: 6 years minimum
TASTING NOTES
Bottles Worth Seeking Out
Domaine Dupont Réserve 15 Ans
Baked apple, cinnamon, vanilla, and a long, warming finish. The benchmark Calvados Pays d'Auge.
Christian Drouin Hors d'Âge
Rich and complex — dried apple, toffee, oak spice, and a finish of remarkable length.
Père Magloire XO
Approachable and elegant — fresh apple, vanilla, and gentle spice. An excellent introduction to Calvados.
COCKTAILS