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Calvados Christian Drouin
www.coeur-de-lion.com
The Coeur de Lion estate is mentioned as early as 1638. The story of Drouin calvados began around 1960. There was nothing to indicate that Christian DROUIN the elder, an industrialist from Rouen, was destined to make a career in spirits. Nothing, that is, apart his taste for good food and good wines.
When he bought a farm in Gonneville he decided to use the cider-apple orchards to produce calvados. His goals were simple: produce a top-quality spirit; the best. “My father transmitted me the calvados virus”, says the younger Christian Drouin, who has today given the family business a world-wide reputation.
The third generation maintains the traditions that have enabled the estate to become one of the 100 “sites of excellence in taste”, as selected by the ministry for culture. In 1995 the European foundation awarded the estate its European Prestige Grand Prix for the whole of its production, which represents the quintessence of calvados.
Calvados du Pays d'Auge X.O.
Spirits
This bottling begins to demonstrate the extraordinary quality that has made Cœur de Lion the star of super premium Calvados. The "X.O." is a blend of Calvados of different age categories; the youngest component being at least eight years old. All components are double distilled Calvados du Pays d'Auge aged in small oak casks.
Light amber in colour; aromas of apples, flowers and spices dominate. Although very fruity, it also shows a rich a rich palate of rancios aromas (nuts, butter, almonds). The flavour levels are deep and have taken on a dry, lingering, mysterious character. Supple, rich and elegant.
SKU: 140996
Calvados du Pays d'Auge Vintage 1977
Spirits
Truly spectacular! This Calvados du Pays d'Auge, as all from "Coeur de Lion", was double distilled in the traditional manner a wood fired pot still. It was then aged in small oak casks and kept approximately 4 years in second-hand Amontillado Sherry casks.The aromas and palate are ever evolving, commencing with green apples, then scents of vanilla bean and baked apple with hints of Oloroso Sherry, and in more of a supporting role, pears and leather, finishing in apple fritter and holiday spices. Layer upon layer of flavours in this well balanced, full-bodied and long lasting spirit.
Double Gold Medal San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2000
Gold Medal The International Wine and Spirit Competition 1998 (U.K.)
95 Points 1999 Buying Guide to Spirits- Beverage Tasting Institute
SKU: 576520
Calvados du Pays d'Auge Vintage 1990
Spirits
Double distilled then aged in old calvados and cognac casks and bottled only upon demand. Dark rich amber in colour. A round full bodied nose with orange, ripe peach and quince hints and with grilled aromas in the background. Full, rich long-tasting mouth.
SKU: 377903
Calvados Expression 5 Ans Fut de Porto
Spirits
Its all in the finish. This Calvados du Pays d'Auge single batch is a result of a traditional double distillation, ageing in a calvados cask for 4 years and finished for 21 months in a former Port cask. Very distinctive nose with grilled flavours, game scents and raisins. Great balance in mouth with silky tanins.
SKU: 630749
La Blanche de Christian Drouin
Spirits
This unique apple based small batch "eau de vie" is the initial distillation from which Calvados is produced. Since the rules and regulations of the appellation state that to call this spirit Calvados, it must maintain time in barrel. Since this clear spirit spends no time at all in wood, it cannot be called Calvados.
That said, the aromas and flavour profile are truly Normadie apples. This spirit is interesting straight up, a great flavour enchancer in cooking and baking but really shines as the base for cocktails.
95 Points - Wine Enthusiast
SKU: 213645
Pommeau de Normandie
Pommeau is produced by blending Calvados with fermented apple cider juice; the mellowness is a result of aging in oak casks. This aperitif, full of flavour, has a strength of 16% to 18% alcohol by volume. It should be served chilled. Perfect in scooped out melon, with foie gras, or an apple based dessert; greatly appreciated in cocktails and it works wonders in the kitchen as an ingredient in sauces or creams.
"Never before have I been so enchanted by a drink as this."
92 Points - Robert Parker
SKU: 276592
Cidre de Normandie Bouché Brut Coeur de Lion
Cidre in Normandy enjoys a high reputation because it is made from cider apples varieties. In most countries, cider is produced from the same apples that one eats. There are more than 400 varieties of true cider apples and Christian Drouin's apple orchard contain more than 30 selected kinds of cider apples. Cidre de Normandie is not a distilled product.
To obtain the cider, the matured apples must be crushed then pressed to extract the juice which is allowed to rest and ferment under temperature control where part of the natural sugar is transformed into alcohol. It is ready when the balance between acidity,tannins and sugar is perfect, the Cidre Brut is about 4,5% and ready to be bottled under pressure.
Cidre de Normandie is very pleasant, light and fruity and can be enjoyed with fish, white meat or Camembert de Normandie. I great thirst quencher the afternoon. In France, it is a tradition to drink it with crepes/pancakes. It is perfect for consumers looking for a natural drink, light in alcohol, rich in taste and aromas. Best in a tasting glass (similar to wine – I.N.A.O. glass).
SKU: 061622
Le Gin Small Batch
Spirits
Le Gin de Christian Drouin, is described as a "terroir" Gin in la Revue des Vins de France, the referent wine and spirit magazine in France. A translation for Le Gin below :
Le Gin de Christian Drouin
42% vol., France, Pays d’Auge (Apple brandy, ginger, vanilla, lemon, cardamom, cinnamon, rose petals, almonds). "Christian Drouin’s highly fragrant apple brandy is custom-distilled for this Norman Gin. Its specific flavour can easily be identified all along the tasting. Then come the floral and spicier notes of the utmost elegance."
Best Gin Innovation for 2016 - International Cocktail & Spirit Fair in Paris
SKU: 501353
Le Gin Small Batch Calvados Cask Finish
SKU: 102325