PM Spirits Collab La Cave Normande 45 Year Calvados Domfrontais

This sample was provided to me by a producer, distributor, or some other industry source free-of-charge. No compensation, outside of the sample, was received and there were no strings attached.

Review #1259; Brandy #69

This was distilled from 50% apples and 50% pears grown in an orachard with trees that were 20-200 years old. This Calvados was distilled on a small, mobile, wood-fired column still. The distillate then aged for 45 years in French Oak before being bottled at cask strength with no additives.  This single cask was distilled at Cave Normande in the commune of Saint-Cyr-du-Bailleul in Normandy.

---

Distillery: Cave Normande

Bottler: PM Spirits

Region: Normandy, France

Still: Column

ABV: 48.8%

Cask: French Oak

---

Nose: Touch of vinegar, Black Tea, Orange Slice, grilled pineapple, allspice

Palate: Thick oily mouthfeel, Orange Peel, Grilled Pineapple, Allspice, Black Tea, touch of balsamic, rancio, Clove

Finish: Long finish, Orange Peel, Black Tea, Balsamic, Allspice, Black Tea, Nutty, Espresso, Dark Chocolate, Clove

Simply an excellent bottling of brandy. It is not over oaked, it pops with flavor and is well balanced. The flavors are very intense, and that nuttiness and fruits make for an awesome combination. It’s far outside of my price range ($500 at Astor), but a very cool product to get to try.

Rating: 8/10

---

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