Calvados
 

I'm going to visit Normady. One of the things I am looking forward to is trying some of the varieties of Calvados. Here in Kansas, only a couple are available.<BR><BR>Which ones do any of you recomend?<BR><BR> Keith

Calvados, or apple brandy, is the great eau-de-vie of normandy. To be good, calvados should be matured in oak casts for 19 years(at the least) It is mostly distilled by individual proprietors and like the cider, the best is supposed to come from the Vallee d'Auge. The cider is so good, we have not found anything in the states to equel it..It's about 12% alc. Wine is not grown in that area so you'll be drinking this.

Good calvados is the only thing I've tasted that approaches good scotch whisky.<BR>My friend's wife's grandmother (in Brittany)had a licence to distill that was granted in Napoleonic times and handed down through the maternal side.Unfortunately the gov has now stopped these licences being passed on.<BR>It was truly wonderful stuff.<BR>She also used it to makes liqueurs with walnuts etc.<BR>They made cider for many of the nearby farms, best I ever tasted.<BR>The area (Normandy/Brittany)is too damp for wine - the grapes would get botrytis - so they concentrate on on their apples &amp; are justly proud of the result.<BR>Can't advise on any brands, but if you show an interest you may be pointed to something locally available which might be better than the big names.I get the feeling that they keep the best for those who appreciate it - chiefly themselves!

Topping

We just returned from Normandy and tasted Calvados. There are many many purveyors along the roads. We went to the Magloire locale--maybe at Pont l'Evecque, I think. We tasted several of their offerings. Husband did not care for it--I found it VERY strong- as a cognac with little flavor. Could be just me. Didn't think it was worth the price they wanted.

No Help on specific brands, sorry. But if you are in Normandy the last Sunday in October, make sure you attend the annual cider and calvados fete in Beuvron en Auge. You'll have tastings from all the local producers...the main reason I can't remember any specific one!<BR><BR>Several of them offer tours all during the year with tastings. Pick up a brochure at any local tourist office or at your hotel<BR><BR>You are in for a real treat. Loved that cider!<BR><BR>

I just returned from the Normandy region on Sat. I recommend the Ramparts brand of Calvados. The owners are so nice too!

Hi Keith,<BR><BR>If you have a car to travel around Normandy, you'll find many opportunities to visit places that offer tastings of Calvados. Your hotel may be able to recommend special varieties nearby.<BR>Also, if you find Calvados too strong for your taste, you may want to try Pommeau. It's a liqueur made from Calvados and apple cider. Always chilled before drinking. It was wonderful. I've tried to find it it the States without any luck, so far!<BR>Diane

ah, le trou normand ! Magnifique !

Oui!

Thanks to all for the answers!<BR><BR>Pommeau sounds particularly attractive. Could anyone help me with how it is pronounced?<BR><BR>Thanks again!<BR><BR> Keith

Pommeau -- poh-moh is my estimation of pronunciation. We did get some. The people there say that it is only in Normandy--not exported and maybe not even anywhere else in France (may have been a marketing tool, that).