Review #1004; Brandy #52: Domaine De Merval 18yr (2002) K&L exclusive

Domaine De Merval 18yr (2002) K&L exclusive

This is a single cask of Calvados that has been aged for 18 years before being bottled with no additives. This comes from the Chateau de Merval in Pays de Bray. Let’s see how it is.

ABV: 50.8%

Nose: Over-ripe pear skin, brown sugar, raisins, lemon tart

Palate: Medium mouthfeel, Ripe pear skin, brown sugar, raisins, lemon tart, cinnamon, a bit of must

Finish: Short finish, black pepper, pear skin, oak spice, black tea

Rating: 6/10

For my first brush with Calvados this is a very good introduction. This distillate is nice and fruity with some spices thrown in. The oak is well structured too.

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect