Christian Drouin VSOP Pale & Dry Calvados Pays d'Auge (70cl, 40%)

A VSOP Calvados from Christian Drouin, made mainly from cider apples with a small proportion of pears. The apples and pears are distilled twice in copper stills in the Pays d'Auge, and the VSOP blends distillates matured for at least four years. Maturation takes place in small, previously used casks, including re-charred ex-Bordeaux wine casks, often pre-treated with cider, plus distillates from former Sherry, Port and Banyuls casks. The result combines ripe fruit, floral notes and spices, with vanilla and cinnamon accents. It is bottled at 40% in a 70cl bottle with gift packaging. The nose recalls fresh apple skins and baked apple cake, with white chocolate and dried flowers. The palate is rich and savoury orchard fruit while remaining light and balanced. The finish brings warm oak notes together with juicy, fresh stone fruit.