Christian Drouin Selection Calvados is a Apple Brandy crafted in France .
Christian Drouin Coeur de Lion Calvados is a distinguished apple brandy that showcases the rich terroir of Normandy, France, through its meticulous production process and complex flavor profile. Interestingly, the Drouin family initially started making Calvados as a hobby in 1960, using apples from their own orchards, and only decided to turn it into a commercial venture after winning multiple awards and gaining recognition for their exceptional spirits.
Christian Drouin Coeur de Lion Calvados stands out for its exceptional quality and heritage, produced by a family-owned estate that has been crafting this apple brandy in Normandy since 1960. Unlike rum, which is made from sugar cane, this Calvados is distilled from carefully selected apples and pears grown in the estate's own orchards, resulting in a spirit with a distinctive fruity complexity and a smooth, refined character that truly captures the essence of its Norman terroir.
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.
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View RecipesThe mixture of apple and pear makes this Calvados smooth. The nuance of pear makes this very enjoyable. Approaches the smoothness of a 20 year Calvados.
It makes a very good Pan Am Clipper.
Good value brandy.
The product was good, not my typical spirit but very smooth. Your company is very easy to work with and I really like being able to purchase uncommon spirits, however the process of having to sign for the delivery makes it too difficult. I realize the reason why but our UPS driver is not very diligent.
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Please drink responsibly. CA Residents: Proposition 65 Warning.
