Calvados - Regional products with a global reputation

Calvados - Regional specialties with a global reputation

Calvados, the world-famous "apple brandy" from Normandy, has enjoyed an outstanding reputation for decades as one of the best fruit brandies in the world. The consistently high quality of the product is remarkably striking compared to similar segments. Here, we would like to shed a little more light on the reasons for this.

First and foremost is the protected designation of origin – only spirit distilled from apples and, in some cases, pears (more on that later) that originates from the Calvados department may be called Calvados. This region in northern France is the hub of Calvados and a guarantee for the highest quality distilling fruit. From the cultivation of the fruit and the harvest to the distillation and bottling, every step of the process must take place exclusively there. The strict monitoring of these high requirements for raw materials and production is even managed by a dedicated institution, the Bureau National Interprofessionnel des Calvados et Eau-de-Vie-de-Cidre.

Equally crucial for a good Calvados is, of course, the perfect blend – in every respect. This begins with the selection of the fruit to be distilled in the correct ratio of sweet, sour, and bitter apples or pears. That’s right, a certain portion of pears can also be added to round off the flavor, although this varies depending on the appellation.

Below are a few stages on the long journey from apple to Calvados. We will switch to fast-forward mode here:

Apple must becomes cider; after 2-4 years of storage, this is first distilled into a raw spirit, then into a fine spirit, and after final maturation, it finally becomes Calvados. Then it is up to the cellar master to once again balance the perfect assemblage and expertly blend the various individual distillates of different ages.

Another indicator of quality, often used in France for Calvados, are the age designations VO (very old/at least 4 years), VSOP (very superior old product/at least 5 years), and XO (extra old/at least 6 years). The longer the cask aging lasts, the more the fruity nuances integrate into the simultaneously increasingly complex wood aromatics.

Calvados Morin Sélection

From the broad portfolio of outstanding representatives of the variety, we have deliberately chosen an unusual yet equally exciting one. Since 1889, the distillery located on the Eure river, Morin, has produced various bottlings of consistently exceptional quality.

Their latest product is the Calvados Selection, with a maturation period of about three years. It unfolds a unique aroma whether enjoyed neat or as a base component for mixed drinks. Even though the composition of the mash is, of course, a trade secret, we encounter a significantly above-average intensity of fully ripe pear. The obligatory apple note is present and is increasingly underpinned by complex cask aromas. We experience a highly interesting interplay of diverse apple, pear, and distinct wood aromatics in a relatively young fine brandy.

This complexity makes the Morin Calvados Selection a unique experience even when enjoyed neat, while still leaving enough room for exciting mixed drinks.

Cocktail of the month

FORBIDDEN FRUIT

5.5cl Morin Sélection Calvados
1.5cl freshly squeezed lemon juice
2cl cane sugar syrup*
11cl Paradise Apple fruit tea infusion

*Boil 2 parts Demerara cane sugar with 1 part hot water, stirring well, and after boiling, simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes. Let the finished syrup cool down and bottle it.

Preparation:

• Prepare the tea infusion according to the instructions on the packaging and let it cool down
• Fill a cocktail shaker 2/3 full with ice cubes and add all ingredients
• Shake the drink vigorously for approx. 15 seconds, strain onto fresh ice in a suitable glass of your choice, and garnish
• Garnish recommendation: Lemon zest and a few fresh slices of Granny Smith apple

Daring as we are, this time we have spared no effort, summoned all our courage, and abducted the forbidden fruit from paradise to be able to offer you this culinary excess. The base for this is the already highly praised Calvados Selection from the house of Morin, which is carried by a subtle interplay of sweetness and acidity and the heavenly, finely fruity aromas of the Paradise Apple fruit tea, Schönbichler brand. The Garden of Eden is only a sip away.