Review by: Raygun

Not had a lot of Calvados, and as best I can recollect, never a single cask. This will be a new experience. A single cask release, #97, in French oak. Mostly apple, I suspect, but could be some pear in there. Rested about 15 minutes.

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Distillery: Chateau du Breuil

Bottler: Chateau du Breuil

Region/style: Calvados Pays d’Auge

ABV: 52.2%. Probably cask strength.

Age: 13 years. Distilled in 1997.

Cask type: French oak.

Color: 1.8 old oak.

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Nose: Very woody, with a sort of waxy, furniture polish scent. Green apples, honey, damp forest. 

Palate: Apple, a little orange, vanilla. A distinct woody flavor that reminds me of old furniture, not that I’ve chewed on old furniture. Scented candle, though I can’t decide on the scent.  

Finish: Apple, vanilla, something like toffee. Quite a bit of oak, but not in a spicy way. More orange and the furniture wax again. 

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Conclusion: I’m into it. Tried very little Calvados, and this is my favorite of those. Nice fruit flavor, good oak influence, and pulls off bright and sort of earthy at the same time. Lovely finish in particular. Makes me think I need to try more Calvados. 

Buy a bottle? Sold out, but I’d look for similar.

Score: 84

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)