This Calvados micro-domaine should be next up on the list of anyone who’s serious about top-tier artisanal spirits of any kind. They only produce one Calvados per vintage, and they release it based readiness at either 15 years old or 20 years old, so we’re talking about very small, limited quantities here, especially when we don’t know when the next vintage will be ready. Crated from very old, low-yielding trees of multiple apple varietals, this a singular spirit of mind-blowing character. Brief heat on the nose gives way to deep, overripe apples, spiced pecans, apple butter, new leather, pear blossom, and pure vanilla pod. It’s hard to overstate how super complex this aromatic profile is. The fruit is opulent to the perfect degree, and the initial notes segue into gorgeous exotic spices, pomegranate, maraschino cherry, balsam wood, red plum, and jellyroll filling. The unbelievably graceful palate is itself very complex, with a foundation of beautiful minerality along with very ripe tree fruit, cardamom, and high-toned floral blossoms. It shows excellent texture and medium weight with secondary nuances of balsam wood and assertive spices such as cinnamon and clove, all leading to touches of dark berry fruit and menthol on the lifted, seemingly endless finish. I don’t often pine for more of anything I try, but I was actually quite sad when I finished this sample.
96 points, Andrew Kitz, B-21 Spirits Buyer (Mar 2026)
Top Quality Store
