Sassy Fine Calvados (70cl, 40%)

A Fine Calvados at 40% ABV, made by distilling young, fruity cider of one to three months old in a column still, which gives a fresh, clean fruit character. The still runs day and night to keep the taste consistent. Each year 30% of the previous year's eau de vie is kept in barrel and blended with 70% of the new, in a perpetual solera system. It is aged in oak for a minimum of two years, starting in 300L barrels and moving to larger ones of up to 2000L. Old barrels of 40 to 80 years let the fruit lead, and some previously held Pommeau. The colour is light gold. The nose is fresh and acidulous apple, and the palate shows green apple and white flower, with a lively, tonic, fresh attack.