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Calvados Berneroy VSOP
Distiller Score 90
Deep gold in color this Calvados has an intense nose that instantly transports you to the barrel room in Normandy with hints of forest floor and fruit notes of cherry, poached pears and, of course, baked apples. Aromatics continue with hints of Sauternes, mushrooms and honey. The complexity will keep you returning to the glass to decipher more. On the palate, a welcome heat is balanced with the sweet, waxy apple flavors and spices not noticed on the nose of cinnamon, allspice, and vanilla. The brandy feels like satin and finishes long and lux, with baked apple skin hanging on until the very end. Drink as they do in Normandy; neat, after dinner.
Reviewed by Kelley Slagle