Christian Drouin La Blanche Cider Eau de Vie Mini

Volume: 0.05 litres | Alcohol content: 40% | Chill filtration: Yes | Colouring: No

Special Features:

La Blanche puts apple fruit centre stage without oak ageing. The cider is distilled twice in a copper pot still; Christian Drouin does not mature this bottling in casks. This preserves the character of a white cider brandy. The miniature is bottled in small batches at 40% alcohol and contains 0.05 litres.

This bottling draws on the Norman tradition of drinking white brandy without prior cask ageing. Its fresh apple character also suits cocktails and long drinks. La Blanche can be served on its own, well chilled or over ice.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Pronounced apple aromas and fresh fruitiness lead the nose.
• Palate: The brandy is full-bodied on the palate, with notes of cooked apples and apple compote.
• Finish: The finish is dry and refreshing. Sweet-tart apple peel and a light fruity spiciness linger.

Distillery/Bottler:

The history of Christian Drouin began in 1960 with the purchase of the Fiefs SainteAnne farm in the hills of Gonneville near Honfleur. With the help of distiller Pierre Pivet, Christian Drouin senior had cider from his orchards distilled and initially laid down stocks for ageing. His son joined the business in 1969; it was not until 1979 that stocks were sufficient to begin selling.

In 1991–1992, production moved to another 17th-century farm in Coudray-Rabut near Pont-l'Évêque. Guillaume Drouin joined the company in 2004, representing the third generation. During double distillation, the house separates the heads and tails in both runs and adjusts the cut points to the quality of each cider. This approach, tailored to the raw material, is an important part of its distilling practice.

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