Calvados

Christian Drouin Sélection Calvados — Coudray-Rabut, Normandy | 700ml

Christian Drouin is one of Normandy’s most celebrated Calvados houses — and the Sélection is its most approachable, versatile expression. Produced at the family estate in Coudray-Rabut in the heart of the Pays d’Auge, this Calvados achieves its signature harmony by combining the sharp freshness of perry pears with the smoothness of cider apples. The ciders and perries are distilled in a traditional column still and aged in old, lightly used oak casks that preserve the subtle balance of fresh fruit without imposing heavy wood character. The result is a Calvados of rare elegance and accessibility — equally at home as an aperitif, a cocktail base, or a culinary ingredient.

The nose is inviting and fragrant: fresh apple, ripe pear, and a gentle lift of orchard blossom. On the palate, it is smooth and well-balanced, with the bright acidity of perry pear framed by the roundness of cider apple and a clean, lightly spiced finish. It drinks beautifully long over ice with tonic, or neat as a digestif.

• Producer: Christian Drouin, Coudray-Rabut, Pays d’Auge, Normandy, France
• Expression: Sélection
• Style: Calvados AOC — apple & pear eau-de-vie, column still
• Size: 700ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh apple, ripe pear, orchard blossom, light spice, clean finish
• Best Served: Long drink over ice with tonic; aperitif; cocktails; gourmet cooking (tarte tatin, cream sauces, pork dishes)

A Normandy Calvados of rare balance and freshness — Christian Drouin Sélection is the benchmark for what everyday Calvados can be.

Producer Description 

An elegant bouquet featuring pear and baking spice, underpinned by nuances of honey, cedar, and lemon peel, alongside a subtle almond backdrop.

A lighter expression of Calvados, presenting a dry palate that gracefully marries the sweet notes of honey with the earthiness of cedar, the zesty character of lemon peel, and the nuttiness of almond.

The finish introduces a delicate interplay of lavender, nutmeg, and a hint of cayenne.

Christian Drouin Calvados Coeur de Lion Sélection — Pays d’Auge, Normandy | 375ml

In the heart of Normandy’s Pays d’Auge — the most prestigious appellation within Calvados — the Drouin family has been distilling apple and pear spirits for generations. Christian Drouin is one of the region’s most respected names, celebrated for Calvados of exceptional finesse and authenticity, crafted from hand-selected fruit grown in the estate’s own orchards. The Coeur de Lion Sélection is the entry point into the Drouin range and a beautifully balanced introduction to the world of Calvados: the sharp freshness of perry pears combined with the smoothness of cider apples, distilled in a column still and aged in old, lightly used casks that preserve the subtle balance of fresh fruit without imposing heavy wood character. The 375ml format is the ideal size for gifting, exploring, or keeping on the bar. 

The nose is inviting and fragrant: fresh apple, ripe pear, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it is smooth and beautifully balanced, with crisp perry pear and ripe cider apple framed by a clean, fresh, gently warming finish. Approachable, versatile, and genuinely delicious — equally at home as an aperitif long drink, a cocktail base, or a culinary ingredient.

• Producer: Christian Drouin, Coudray-Rabut, Pays d’Auge, Normandy, France
• Expression: Coeur de Lion Sélection
• Style: Calvados AOC — apple & perry pear, column still, old cask aging
• Size: 375ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh apple, ripe pear, floral notes, smooth, clean warming finish
• Best Served: Long drink over ice with tonic; aperitif; cocktails; gourmet cooking (tarte tatin, cream sauces, pork dishes)

A Pays d’Auge Calvados of rare freshness and balance — Christian Drouin Coeur de Lion is the benchmark for what approachable Normandy Calvados can be.

Memo Summary Notes

The Calvados Lelouvier Vintage 1988 is a rare, single-harvest apple brandy from one of Normandy's most respected "négociant-éleveur" houses. Lelouvier is famous for sourcing exceptional small-batch distillations from the Domfrontais and South Normandy regions and aging them to perfection in their own cellars.

Pairing: This is a classic "digestif." It pairs beautifully with aged Camembert or Pont-l'Évêque cheese, or a high-quality dark chocolate tart.

Winemaker Description 

Since the 1800s, the Camut family has grown 46.5 hectares of apple trees in the Pays d'Auge, the finest growing region for Calvados. In Normandy, 800 types of apples are grown; the Camut family grow about 25 of these, all of which are hand-harvested at optimum maturity between October and mid-December. While pears are allowed in Calvados (actually mandatory in the Domfrontais region with a minimum of 30%), only apples grown on the Camut property are used in Camut calvados.

Forward aromas of baked apple, honey, cream, spice. Layered notes of smoky green apple in mouth. Displays plenty of depth for its relatively young age. Long, pure finish. 82 proof.

Producer Description 

Since the 1800s, the Camut family has grown 46.5 hectares of apple trees in the Pays d'Auge, the finest growing region for Calvados. In Normandy, 800 types of apples are grown; the Camut family grow about 25 of these, all of which are hand-harvested at optimum maturity between October and mid-December. While pears are allowed in Calvados (actually mandatory in the Domfrontais region with a minimum of 30%), only apples grown on the Camut property are used in Camut calvados.

Amber color. Melted toffee along with subdued notes of spiced apple and honey. Lovely round mouthfeel, with just a finishing touch of smoke and floral notes. 86 proof.

Producer Description 

Since the 1800s, the Camut family has grown 46.5 hectares of apple trees in the Pays d'Auge, the finest growing region for Calvados. In Normandy, 800 types of apples are grown; the Camut family grow about 25 of these, all of which are hand-harvested at optimum maturity between October and mid-December. While pears are allowed in Calvados (actually mandatory in the Domfrontais region with a minimum of 30%), only apples grown on the Camut property are used in Camut calvados.

Aromas of green apple and caramel. Impressive viscosity for a relatively young (hors d'age) spirit. Long finish reminiscent of initial aromas. 86 proof.

Producer Description 

Orchard fruit notes are common to both Calvados and Scotch malt whisky. Many Calvados producers double-distil in pot stills, just like their Scottish cousins. Maturation in French oak is another aspect of their shared DNA.

These two spirits share richness, sweetness and complexity; the Calvados lends an intensity and length to the finish which enhances the character of the Scotch whiskies.

Serve over ice, mix with amari and vermouth into a unique twist on a boulevardier, or pair with a deliciously sweet tarte tatin. 

We think you’ll agree that these two spirits really do have an affinity for one another.