12 year old Calvados from Adrien Camut. When maturing their Calvados, they don't fill the barrels right to the top - they fill them to 75% full, as this increases the rate of oxidation, naturally reducing the spirit's strength and increasing the concentration of flavours.
Apple peel and hints of cooked fruit on the nose. Gentle spices and vanilla.
Creamy, spicy palate with vanilla custard, apple peel and stewed Bramley apples with honey and Demerara sugar.
Long, spiced finish.
Rich, creamy and decadent.
Bright and distinct apple character on the nose, but also medicinal like a classical wild-fermented country cider. The palate is decidedly more oaky, with a dank-cellar, "extinguished-paraffin-candle" like character and only subtle apple at full proof. While the apple is more centered when blended into tonic, this undermines what really makes this spirit so intriguing and it deserves to be sipped. Definitely one for the acquainted.
