Distiller Notes
Busnel is a world leader in the Calvados category and is made with 20 varieties of apples from the elite Pays d’Auge appellation in Normandy France. The Pays d’Auge is situated between two rivers and has a variety of soils from sandy and silty to clay and chalk. Each soil produces different apple varieties.
The 20+ apple varieties in Calvados are separated into four categories: bitter/sour apples have rugged tannins and heady aromas; sweet apples are rich in sugars for fermentation; bitter/ sweet apples provide complexity and added sugars; sour/bitter apples’ tartness provide freshness and acidity.
The secret of Busnel’s exceptional richness is a tradition carefully handed down since 1820.
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.