Distiller Notes
Lecompte 5 Calvados is prized for its unadulterated fruitiness, with a refined, discreet woodiness which compliments the light, lively apple flavors. Before transferring to more mature barrels (known as ‘red barrels’) to help bring out its mellow flavors, this Calvados Pays d'Auge spent several months in small casks of fresh oak, providing a delicate touch of vanilla.
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.