Château du Breuil Calvados 13 yr. - 52.2%
Context: Chateau du Breuil carries the AOC, Pays d'Auge, requiring a more narrow geographical region (east end) and more strict production standards:
Aging for a minimum of two years in oak barrels is required.
Double distillation in an alembic pot-still is used.
It must be produced within the designated area in Pays d'Auge
A minimum of six weeks of fermentation of the cider is required
This one has been aged 13 years and comes from a single cask (n. 97) left it at a higher proof. That's tough to come by with stateside where Calvados usually sits between 40-42 proof. All my experiences with well-aged, high proof Calvados have been real treats (thank you Eric Bordelet). Most of this bottle ended up being sampled among friends, because it kept getting such positive feedback.
Nose: Funky pears and apples. Some barnyard and sugar glaze. Light touch with the oak. Good depth. Vanilla. Apple. Bitter pear skins. Caramel. Oak and baking spice in the finish.
Flavors: Vanilla. Apple. Bitter pear skins. Caramel. Oak and baking spice in the finish.
Palate Structure: Palate is thick and fantastic. Great pace as it unspools. Lots of rich, deep pockets.
Alcohol Integration: On point. Right in my sweet spot. It's got weight and attitude, but checks the proof.
You’d Dig This If You Like:
MGP Rye: high proof, 8+ years
Jamaican Rum: tropics aged, high proof, high ester
Dry Ciders
Score: 8 (Stash One) This stuff is spot on. Funky-farmhouse-fermented apples need to be your thing cuz they are front and center, top to bottom. Fortunately, they are my thing. High proof calvados are a great spirit for MGP and Alberta rye drinkers - plenty of fruit and spice and where the ryes can lean more herbal, here you get the farmhouse funk. Best Calvados I’ve had since the last couple Bordelets.
Rating System
10- Reevaluate My Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Wish I Was Drinking Something Else
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour
Sources: Brueil