
Calvadosand Cider Brandy
Calvados is only be made in Normandy or its outskirts, and is distilled from cider made with apples or pears. Typically, a combination of sweet and bitter apples will be used to make the initial cider, but the type of soil and the way the fruit is pressed will also affect the quality.
Calvados is made almost exclusively in Normandy, France
Calvados has three main production zones, each with its typical flavour profile: Calvados Pays d’Auge (rich, round, complex); Calvados (fresh, fruity, pungent); and Calvados Domfrontais (floral, with a pleasant sourness).
In terms of ageing, calvados uses the following definitions:
- Trois Etoiles or Trois Pommes
- A minimum of two to three years old
- VSOP or VO
- Four years
- Hors d’Age
- More than six years old
Young calvados, especially those from Domfrontais, can be enjoyed as an aperitif (on ice or with soda water). They also match beautifully with Normandy cheeses such as a creamy Camembert. Older calvados, from Pays d’Auge, will be served with Pont-l’Evêque cheese or an apple pudding, or as an after-dinner dram.
Typical Character and Style of Calvados
-
Apple
-
Pear
Filter
Price Range
Bottling Status
Producer
Country
Age
Vintage
Cask Type
Strength
Size
Limited Edition
Colouring
Certification
Sustainability
Somerset Cider Brandy 10 Year Old
$51.82
($74.03 per litre)
Didier Lemorton 10 Year Old Domfrontais Calvados
$67.23
($96.04 per litre)
Didier Lemorton Reserve Domfrontais Calvados
$50.75
($72.51 per litre)
Busnel Vieille Reserve VSOP CalvadosPays d'Auge
$32.68
($46.69 per litre)
Avallen CalvadosCardboard Bottle
$36.41
($52.01 per litre)
Somerset Cider Brandy 3 Year Old
$35.02
($50.03 per litre)
Pierre Huet Vieux Calvados
$45.12
($64.46 per litre)
Somerset Cider Brandy 5 Year Old
$44.06
($62.94 per litre)
Berneroy XO Calvados
$59.47
($84.96 per litre)
Laird's Applejack (3-4 Year Old)
$39.28
($56.11 per litre)
Christian Drouin Caroni Angels 17 Year Old Calvados Pays D'Auge
$111.61
($159.44 per litre)
Didier Lemorton 30 Year Old Domfrontais Calvados
$138.18
($197.40 per litre)
Michel Huard 2012 Calvados
$62.66
($89.51 per litre)
Michel Huard 2005 Calvados
$67.97
($97.11 per litre)
30&40 Extra Old 10 Year Old Calvados
$54.16
($108.31 per litre)
Dupont Fine Calvados
$38.74
($55.35 per litre)
Didier Lemorton 1980 Domfrontais Calvados
$148.81
($212.59 per litre)
Pierre Huet Hors d'Age Calvados
$62.66
($89.51 per litre)
Pierre Huet Fine Calvados
$34.81
($49.73 per litre)
Somerset Shipwreck Cider Brandy8 Year Old
$44.59
($89.18 per litre)
Christian Drouin Hors d'Age CalvadosPays d'Age
$95.61
($136.59 per litre)
Pere Magloire AperitifPommeau de Normandie
$24.93
($35.61 per litre)
Chateau du Breuil 15 Year Old Calvados
$80.20
($114.57 per litre)
Chateau du Breuil VSOP Calvados
$40.87
($58.39 per litre)