Christian Drouin Selection Calvados

Christian Drouin Coeur de Lion Calvados shines when sipped neat in a snifter, allowing its complex apple aromas and flavors to unfold, though it also makes an excellent base for brown spirit cocktails. This Norman brandy is perfect for cool autumn evenings, paired with rich, creamy cheeses or apple-based desserts that complement its orchard fruit character.

Nose: Fresh apple and pear aromas dominate, accompanied by hints of vanilla and oak. Subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and complexity. A faint whiff of leather and tobacco emerges as the spirit opens up.

Palate: Rich and full-bodied. Baked apple and poached pear flavors take center stage, balanced by caramel and toasted almond notes. A touch of citrus zest brightens the palate. The oak influence is present but not overpowering, contributing a pleasant tannic structure.

Finish: Long and warming. The apple flavors linger, gradually transitioning to a spicy oak character. A slight nuttiness emerges, reminiscent of walnuts. The finish leaves a pleasant dryness on the palate, inviting another sip.

Christian Drouin Coeur de Lion Calvados is crafted using traditional Norman methods, with apples carefully selected from over 30 varieties grown in the Pays d'Auge region of Normandy. After pressing and fermentation, the resulting cider undergoes a double distillation in copper pot stills, followed by aging in oak barrels for a minimum of two years, allowing the spirit to develop its complex flavors and smooth character.

• Christian Drouin's Calvados is aged in rare 17th-century oak casks that once held cider for Louis XIV, infusing the spirit with historical richness and complex flavors from centuries of use.
• The Drouin family employs a resident beekeeper to maintain orchards of over 6,000 apple trees, using natural pollination methods that have been shown to increase the complexity of flavors in their Calvados.
• In a twist on tradition, Christian Drouin ages some of their Calvados in ex-Sauternes wine barrels, creating a unique expression that marries the apple brandy's robust character with subtle notes of honeyed dessert wine.