From our dear amazing farmer named Michel Breton (don't fall for it, he's a true Normand despite his name^^), this craft Calvados aged for 15 years is a must have !
Obviously the longer the Calvados stays in the barrel, the more complex and smooth (and the less you feel the bite of the alcohol) so with its 15 years aging in a French oak barrel, this one is complex, with beautiful aromas of vanilla.
The orchard is in la Ferté Macé (about an hour away from us), in the appellation AOC Calvados Domfrontais. This appellation is slightly different than the more famous one "Calvados" because there is 30% of pear cider added to the 70% of apple cider in the blend which makes it fruitier and rounder.
It’s also a very low yield production which assures you the very best quality (the high stemmed apple trees produce less than low stemmed ones).
Prepared in the most traditional way using no insecticide nor fungicide.
Michel has always worked this way (as if it was an organic orchard) but now that he is sooner or later going to retire, he is finally starting a conversion to actually get the certification label for his children who will keep producing beautiful quality Normandy products after their father.
Also no use of carbon dioxide at all because time (4 months) starts the fermentation of the cider itself. It’s all natural.
To be enjoyed at any time (with moderation of course) !
But best as a "trou Normand" (with vanilla or apple icecream) to help you digest or with any appley dessert.