Christian Drouin Vintage 1977/2019 Calvados Pays d'Auge

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 42% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Long maturation in oak and three to four years in former sherry casks shape this Christian Drouin vintage. The Calvados was distilled in 1977 and bottled in 2019 after more than forty years of ageing. The sherry casks contribute to its mahogany colour and complex aroma.

Ripe orchard fruit meets a velvety texture, pronounced sweetness and restrained woody notes. Bottled without added colouring at 42% alcohol, this release comes in a 0.7-litre bottle presented in a wooden box.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Ripe apples and pears emerge on the nose, accompanied by a hint of spice.
• Palate: The Calvados feels velvety and complex on the palate. Pronounced sweetness combines with subtle woody notes.
• Finish: The long finish is warming, with delicate vanilla and caramel notes lingering.

Distillery/Bottler:

The house's history began in 1960 at the Fiefs SainteAnne farm near Honfleur. With the help of distiller Pierre Pivet, Christian Drouin senior had cider distilled into Calvados there and set aside stocks for long maturation. His son joined the business in 1969; sales did not begin until 1979. Today, Guillaume Drouin represents the third generation running the family business. Production moved to Coudray-Rabut near Pont-l'Évêque in 1991/92.

The house's production methods include double distillation of the cider. Heads and tails are separated during both runs, with the cut points determined by the character of the cider. Drouin frequently uses small, previously used oak casks for maturation. Once an older Calvados has absorbed enough tannin, larger wooden vessels are available for further ageing. Christian and Guillaume Drouin taste every cask annually and decide how each should be used.

Facts: