The Data

Category   Brandy

Sub-Category   Calvados, Pays d’Auge

Origin   Normandy

Retail Price   $35

ABV   40%

Score   4 Stars/Exceptional!

In the Glass

Brilliant, golden straw color.

The nose is greeted with bright fruit, fresh cider notes with strong hints of pear, supporting notes of wood, subtle brown baking spice accents, and hints of citrus.

The palate totally agrees with the aromatics delivering a generous and vibrant apple and pear-focused core with waves of citrus, spice, and mineral.

Medium-bodied with perfect balance and a soft, lingering apple cider note.

Cool Factor

It's impossible for me to give any Christian Drouin product anything less that an "A" for cool as these represent some of the finest spirits the world has to offer.

Value Grade

These handcrafted spirits from Christian Drouin are not cheap but how could they be? Old and beautiful Calvados at $125 is a special treat.

Analysis

This is a real beauty showing what Calvados can be with a few years of maturation seamlessly integrating oak and spice into the fold while keeping the fresh apple notes alive. The XO is made with a blend of double distilled Calvados aged 8 to 15 years in small casks.

How to Enjoy

Sip neat in a Brandy glass after dinner or at any special occasion.