CALVADOS 15 ANS
Appellation of Origin Contrôlée
TASTING NOTES
This 15-year-old Calvados AOC Marquis de Saint-Loup is produced, bottled and aged on a 17th-century estate near the village of Saint-Pierre in Normandy, France. With the utmost respect for tradition, only the best apples from tall orchards are used in the production of this particular elixir. Harvested between September and November, the apples are pressed in the characteristic and ancient vertical press. Only the pure juice, and only that extracted in the first pressing, is used to make the cider. The juice is then placed in oak barrels, where natural fermentation takes place. Once fermentation is complete, the cider is put to mature in vats or large cider barrels. After a few months, the cider is ready to be distilled twice in the repass still. Distilling aged ciders makes it possible to produce calvados more suitable for aging. The spirit is then put back into small oak barrels for aging. Over the years of aging in wood, the aroma of the calvados evolves from notes of fresh fruit toward a bouquet of more complex, slightly spicy scents with hints of dried fruit. The years of aging refer to the years of aging of the youngest calvados that makes up the product, in this case the youngest calvados used to produce this bottle, has 15 years of aging. Amber color with a nose of cashew, almond, and pear aromas. The taste is creamy, smooth, with a slightly peppery finish. A balanced calvados with a nice persistence. The finish is a lingering, fine, and tender brandy. Pairs beautifully with a square of fine chocolate and a nice cigar.