ALCHEMIST Christian Drouin 15 Year Old Calvados 70cl Bottle

The Domaine Coeur de Lion is rated by many as the foremost producer of classic Pays d39Auge Calvados. Owned and run by Christian Drouin, the Domaine and its orchards are located at a beautiful half timbered former stud farm at Coudray Rabut, near Pont L39Eveque, which is now known as the 39Coeur de Lion39 . In these spacious surroundings, Christian has planted a traditional Calvados Cider orchard, where the classic varieties of apples from the d39Auge region are preserved. A respect for the best of the old continues in the use of the traditional Calvados craft implements such as a hydraulic press, double distillation stills including an ancient, portable, wood fired still and a collection of large, broad Norman barrels for storing the cider prior to distillation. At Coeur de Lion, early season apples only are used for the Calvados, since these must be mashed early in the season when temperatures are still high. Only the best part, the 39heart39, of the distillate is used and this produces the very finest of Calvados. Christian Drouin39s specialty is the use of sherry casks for maturing this imbues his Eaux de vie with a mellowness that is very much his house style. The older Drouin39s Calvados is a revelation and among the finest brandies in the world. This bottling shows the majesty and complexity that make Coeur de Lion the star of Calvados. The aromas and flavors have deepened and taken on a dry, lingering, mysterious character. After 15 years in the cask, the elements unfold slowly. The brandy continues to evolve in the glass over a half hour. Its colour is flamboyant amber, flame like the nose is complex and balanced on the palate it is smooth, dominated by wood and spice, with great length.