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Calvados Adrien Camut 6 Year
Distiller Score 92
Perhaps the world's smoothest 6 year old Calvados. The raw spirit character has been transformed into rich, juicy, green apple with a hint of caramel from the french oak. The semi-filled barrels promote a gradual oxidation and a natural reduction of alcohol to make this relatively young spirit drink much smoother than many Calvados twice its age. This is a brandy that speaks of fresh fruit and doesn't show the tannic side of aged spirits, or the fiery side of young distillates.
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Calvados Lemorton Reserve
Distiller Score 86
At first whiff, this Calvados resonates deeply of pear and less-so of apple. Just because it's reminiscent of fruit doesn't mean that that's all that is there -- the orchard flavors are joined by a delicious medley of caramel and white pepper spice. This is not a young spirit, and some of its charm comes from the spicy alcohol kick that lingers with grip-y, dry tannin. The perfect digestif after a meal -- don't forget the Camembert!
Reviewed by John Rankin
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Christian Drouin VSOP Calvados
Distiller Score 94
Exuding warm spice, lightly caramelized sugar, and fresh apple peel, Christian Drouin VSOP Calvados checks all the classic cider brandy boxes and more. Sweet baked pear, cardamom, and warming butter round out the middle, with faint licorice and clove on the end balancing out what is otherwise a jubilantly hedonistic flavor profile.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts
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Christian Drouin XO Calvados
Distiller Score 90
The influence of cognac and sherry casks here is almost unmistakable, but adds a welcome aromatic signature. The nutty, saline and sea-breeze character form a nice counterpoint to the dense, vivid, ripe apple component. This has clearly gained depth and complexity with age, but it has not fallen into the trap of becoming too oxidative or overwhelmed by wood.
Reviewed by Duncan McRoberts