Adrien Camut - Twelve Year Old Calvados

Indulge in Aged Refinement: A Detailed Tasting Note of Adrien Camut's Twelve Year Old Calvados

For connoisseurs of aged spirits, the Adrien Camut Twelve Year Old Calvados offers a luxurious exploration of Normandy's finest apple brandy. Distilled by the Camut family, whose expertise stretches back to the 19th century, this exceptional Calvados boasts a rich heritage reflected in its complex flavour profile.

A Legacy of Apple Expertise

Nestled in the heart of Normandy's Pays d'Auge region, the Camut family has meticulously cultivated apples for generations. Their dedication to quality shines through in the Adrien Camut Twelve Year Old Calvados. The apples used are hand-picked from orchards brimming with heritage varieties, ensuring a unique character in the final product.

Distilling Tradition, Twice Over

The journey of Adrien Camut Twelve Year Old Calvados begins with the transformation of these hand-selected apples into a fragrant cider. This cider undergoes a natural fermentation process in wooden casks, allowing the delicate apple flavours to develop and mature. Following this initial step, the cider is then double-distilled in traditional wood-fired copper pot stills. This meticulous double distillation process concentrates the spirit's essence, laying the foundation for its future complexity.

Twelve Years of Oak-Cask Maturation

The magic of Adrien Camut Twelve Year Old Calvados truly unfolds during its extended ageing period. The spirit spends a minimum of twelve years slumbering in large oak vats and tonneaux. This extended slumber allows the Calvados to slowly develop its character, drawing rich tannins and subtle oaky notes from the cask walls. Additionally, the casks are filled only to 75% capacity, promoting a gentle process of oxidation that further refines the spirit's profile.

A Nuanced Exploration for the Senses

Aroma: The first encounter with Adrien Camut Twelve Year Old Calvados is an aromatic delight. The initial burst of fragrance reveals a delightful interplay between fresh orchard fruits like green apple and apple skin. Hints of honeyed sweetness emerge, intertwined with delicate floral notes and a whisper of spice. As the aroma unfolds, deeper, richer notes of baked apple crumble laced with warming cinnamon and nutmeg come to the fore. A subtle smokiness lingers in the background, adding a touch of intrigue to the overall bouquet.

Palate: The first sip of Adrien Camut Twelve Year Old Calvados is a revelation. The spirit enters the mouth with a luxurious, velvety texture, coating the palate with its rich flavours. The initial burst of flavour mirrors the enticing aroma, offering a delightful combination of fresh apple, honeyed sweetness, and delicate floral notes. As the Calvados lingers on the tongue, the influence of the oak ageing comes to the fore. Hints of vanilla, baking spices, and a touch of cocoa emerge, harmoniously complementing the core apple character. The smokiness detected in the aroma translates into a subtle peppery note on the palate, adding a touch of complexity to the overall experience.

Finish: The finish of Adrien Camut Twelve Year Old Calvados is long, lingering, and exceptionally satisfying. The warmth of the alcohol is perfectly balanced by the sweetness and fruitiness of the spirit. The oak influence continues to play a subtle role, leaving behind hints of vanilla and spice that linger on the palate long after the final sip.

Serving Suggestions

To fully appreciate the refined complexity of Adrien Camut Twelve Year Old Calvados, consider savouring it neat or on the rocks. This allows the intricate interplay of flavours and aromas to unfold in their entirety.

For a delightful after-dinner treat, pair the Calvados with a selection of mature cheeses. Creamy blue cheeses like Roquefort or strong Comté create a beautiful contrast with the spirit's sweetness and fruitiness. Additionally, aged Gouda or Gruyère offer a complementary richness that enhances the Calvados' oaky character.

For those seeking a more adventurous approach, Adrien Camut Twelve Year Old Calvados can also be used to elevate classic cocktails. A twist on the Old Fashioned, featuring the Calvados in place of bourbon, creates a unique and sophisticated drink.  The apple and spice notes of the Calvados pair beautifully with the rich sweetness of demerara sugar and the aromatic bitters.

A Timeless Treasure

Adrien Camut Twelve Year Old Calvados is a testament to the Camut family's dedication to quality and tradition. This exceptional spirit offers a captivating journey for the senses, showcasing the nuanced potential of aged Calvados. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or incorporated into a creative cocktail, Adrien Camut Twelve Year Old Calvados promises an unforgettable tasting experience.

Order your bottle of Adrien Camut Twelve Year Old Calvados today from The General Wine Co. and embark on a delightful exploration of Normandy's finest.