Calvados is one of the most famous apple brandies in the world and is produced in a specific region of France called Lower Normandy. It is also the name of a department in that region, so it is not only a specific type of liquor, but also a general term for a spirit made from apples.

If you love sweet spirits that taste almost like dessert, then Calvados might be just the drink you’re looking for. Today you can buy Calvados online at https://puninwine.com/en/catalog/strong-alcohol/calvados. But if you prefer liqueurs with more pungent flavors, then this drink is probably not for you. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Calvados and how to enjoy it responsibly.

What is in Calvados and what does it taste like?

Calvados is made from the apples of the Pommard cider apple tree, a special variety that grows in Normandy. Apple trees are planted and harvested in autumn, then fermented, distilled and aged in oak barrels. During fermentation and distillation, apples decompose, releasing their flavors and sugars. The fermented and distilled product is then aged in oak barrels for one to two years, allowing the liquid to absorb the aromas of the wood.

The type and length of aging determine the flavor profile and color of the final product. The taste of Calvados depends on the brand and age. A younger drink will be more fruity, while older spirits are more likely to show aromas of wood and caramelization that occurs during aging. Aged Calvados is also darker in color than younger varieties.

How to Enjoy Calvados: The Traditional Way

The traditional way of drinking this drink involves the following sequence:

• Pouring: Calvados is often drunk in small quantities as a drink after dinner. To do this, it is poured into a small (preferably tulip-shaped) glass or glass. It can also be served in a large glass as an aperitif with light amysbouches and other appetizers.
• Sipping: Take a small sip, swirl the liquid in your mouth, feel its exquisite taste in full, and then swallow. Pay attention to the aftertaste it leaves.
• Toast: When drinking with friends, always raise your glass to toast the event and those present. This implies the rules of etiquette. But if you enjoy a drink alone, you can skip this step.
• Food Pairing: Calvados is usually served after a meal and is often accompanied by cheese. Popular cheese varieties that go well with this drink are Camembert, Brie, Roquefort and Manchego.
• Storage: Calvados must be stored at a certain temperature and away from sunlight, as light and heat can cause it to evaporate.

How to Enjoy Calvados: The Modern Way

As for the modern method, it also implies compliance with certain rules and nuances of filing:

• Serving: Calvados can be served in a variety of glasses, including fonts, tulips, cordial glasses or shtoffs.
• Choice of Glasses: Since Calvados has a high alcohol content (around 40% ABV), it is best served in a large glass to allow more room to breathe and release the flavors.
• Temperature: Due to its high alcohol content, Calvados should be served at a slightly lower temperature than other liqueurs. The recommended serving temperature is 10-12 degrees Celsius.
• Sipping: As with other liqueurs, you should take a small sip and let the liquid linger in your mouth before swallowing, enjoying the full range of flavors.
• Pairing with dishes: Because Calvados can be very strong, it is often used as a flavoring in dishes rather than as a drink on its own. Notable dishes include apple pies and sausages with apples. Since calvados is often used as an ingredient in cooking, it is best to serve it in a coupe glass so as not to stain ordinary glasses.

Apple spirit of Normandy

Calvados is a rich, full-bodied French apple brandy best enjoyed slowly, sipped in small amounts after a meal, accompanied by cheese. This drink is best enjoyed with friends, at a dinner party or in an intimate setting with a loved one. Calvados can be drunk as an aperitif before dinner, as a digestif after dinner, or as a drink on its own. Enjoy it the French way and you will surely appreciate its rich flavor profile and unique brandy characteristics. With today’s online shopping options, you can sample different varieties of Calvados without worrying about where to buy it. Your order will be delivered to you quickly.

Source: Plato Data Intelligence: PlatoData.io