Distiller Notes
2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal Winner
This VSOP Rye Cask Finish is a blend of Calvados Pays d'Auge aged in oak barrels in the cellars in Normandy, followed by a stay of 12 weeks in casks that previously contained American Rye Whiskey. Golden amber in color. On the nose, notes of tatin tart, vanilla, hazelnut, almond, rye bread. Oven-cooked apple, dry fruit, crême brûlée, and a hint of corn on the palate. Nice length on the finish, hints of vanilla and licorice.
Proof: 80
Calvados is a department (county) in Normandy in northern France that is famous for its Brandies—also called Calvados—which are created by distilling cider made from locally fermented pears and apples. The Calvados orchards and brewers date back as far as the 8th century; distilling came about in the 16th century. Categorized by both age and geography, Calvados production methods differ among the three sub-appellations: AOC Calvados, AOC Domfontais and AOC Calvados Pays d’Auge (highest quality). Generally, the longer a Calvados ages in barrel, the more it resembles Cognac and other fine Brandies in clarity and depth of flavor, approachability and complexity.