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Domaine du Manoir de Montreuil Réserve
Distiller Score 85
This a great introduction to Normandy's proudest beverage: Calvados. Manoir de Montreuil's Reserve has succulent fresh apple character with a lingering finish of French vanilla and clover honey. At 42% there is a spirituous kick that harks to Calvados' rustic past, and the added alcohol gives the brandy some extra weight compared to others in this price range. Certainly there are more complex calvados out there, but as a beginner’s bottle, cocktail mixer, or simply great deal, it's hard to argue with the value.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Christian Drouin Sélection Calvados
Distiller Score 88
Crisp, fruity, and dangerously easy to drink, this obviously youthful calvados deviating a little from the classic flavor profile, towards something resembling a German-style Obstler, with fresh, vibrant, almost gossamer apple and pear flavors, a little iris, white pepper, and cider vinegar on the nose. It has the barest hint of movie-theater "popcorn butter" on the mid-palate, and some aloe and demerara sugar on the back end. Straightforward but satisfying.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Château du Breuil Réserve du Château 8 Ans d'Âge
Distiller Score 89
There's a good mix of apples and woody spices here, with the apples more dried than fresh. Some wax and nuts are found as well. Some sweetness is found on the tip of your tongue, but the alcohol stands out on the mid-palate. That said, the fruit comes along soon enough with some barrels spices and brown butter. The finish is slightly bitter, but not unpleasantly so.
Reviewed by Stephanie Moreno
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Roger Groult Calvados Reserve 3 Ans
Distiller Score 87
With its moderate price and fairly young age, Roger Groult's 3 year old Calvados is a natural choice for cocktails, but don't let that put one off of sipping it neat. It has the bright, crisp acidity of fresh apple flesh, along with woodsy tannins and just a hint of vanilla. It's a fantastic value for the price, making it an easy addition to any home bar.
Reviewed by Jacob Grier