Christian Drouin 2004 Millesime Calvados Pays d'Auge (70cl, 42%)

This is a 2004 vintage Calvados from the Pays d'Auge, bottled in 2023 at 42% vol in 0.7-litre bottles. It combines ripe apple fruit and honey with cinnamon, toasted wood and pastry-like nuances. It is neither chill-filtered nor coloured. The nose opens with ripe apples and honey, followed by cinnamon, brown sugar and toasted wood, with brioche and baba pastry notes. The palate is assertive, with toasted wood giving structure, and baked apple, spices, almonds and raisins forming a rich, pastry-like flavour, plus candied orange. The finish is soft, with apple tart, strudel and brown sugar.