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Calvados Reserve
A.O.C. Calvados du Pays d'Auge

Calvados Reserve has aged 3 years in oak barrels, with 25% of new oak.

Terroir: Clay and Oxfordian marl soil.
Varieties: 80% of bittersweet apples
20% of acid apples
Harvesting: from September to November
Alcohol cont.: 42 % vol.

Techniques used

The apples are mixed, crushed and pressed. The apple juice is fermented right out to give cider to be distilled. Double distillation is carried out one month after the fermentation has taken place. The first distillation gives the "petite eau" at 30% by volume and it is the second distillation, that of the "petite eau" which gives the Calvados.
Aging: Three years minimum. In toasted 400 l (88 imperial gallon) oak barrels, 25% of which are new. Bottled when ordered.

Tasting notes

Eyes: Amber yellow. Clear and brilliant.
Nose: Gentle attack, followed by great aromatic intensity with green apple, geranium and minty hints. The aromas of calvados left on the sides of the emptied glass reveal a great deal.
Mouth: Consistent, slightly bitter, at first marked by green apple. Finish is vegetal, very broad. Retro-olfactive.

(Read also: Tasting Calvados)

Suggestions

- Storage: very long, bottles upright without special precautions.
- As an Aperitif: on its own, over ice, or with a drop or two of water to let it release its aromas.
- For cooking: to flambé, and for sorbets and granités.
- As a digestive: Drinking temperature 20-22°C (68 to 72°F).