What are the different types of Calvados brandy?
Calvados is apple brandy from Normandy with three appellations: Calvados (the largest, about 70% of production), Pays d'Auge (double distilled in a pot still) and Domfrontais (at least 30% perry pears, at least 3 years of aging). Age labels set minimums: VS 2 years, VSOP 4 years, XO 6 years.
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In this article
What is Calvados?
Calvados is a brandy made from cider apples, and sometimes perry pears, from Normandy. Cider or perry is fermented, then distilled. More than 200 apple varieties are permitted, and producers blend bitter, bittersweet, sweet and acidulous apples for balance.
The three appellations
| Appellation | Key rules (guide) |
|---|---|
| Calvados | Largest zone, about 70% of production; pot or column stills allowed, column most used |
| Calvados Pays d’Auge | Double distillation in a pot still; perry pears limited to 30% |
| Calvados Domfrontais | Column distillation, at least 30% perry pears, at least 3 years of aging |
Age statements
| Label | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| VS, Fine or Three Star | 2 years |
| Vieux or Reserve | 3 years |
| VO, VSOP or Vieille Reserve | 4 years |
| XO, Hors d’age, Extra or Napoleon | 6 years |
How to read the label
Ages are minimums, so older calvados may be in the bottle. When a region is named, the calvados comes entirely from that region. Vintage-dated bottles show the harvest year.
How to drink it
- Younger bottles suit cocktails.
- Older bottles work as a nightcap or digestif.
Buying advice
For cooking or cocktails, buy a younger bottle. For sipping, look at VSOP or older. Prices vary widely, so compare producers.
Common mistakes
Mixing up Calvados with applejack. Also, assuming older is always better for your use.
Storage and serving
Store calvados upright in a cool place away from sunlight. Once opened it keeps well because it is a strong spirit, though the aroma can fade over a long time. Serve older bottles in a small tulip glass at room temperature and younger bottles in cocktails or with a little ice.
People also ask
What is the difference between VS and VSOP Calvados?
VS is aged at least 2 years; VSOP at least 4 years.
What is Pays d'Auge Calvados?
A prestige appellation requiring double distillation in a pot still.
How do you drink Calvados?
Young bottles in cocktails; older bottles neat after a meal.
Sources
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