Review by: The Auditor
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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
Conclusion: 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.
Final Score: 91
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 