Manoir de Montreuil Calvados du Pays d'Auge AOC 'Selection'

The drawing on the label of this smoky green bottle depicts a country scene: a farmer in a soft cap loading logs into a wood-fired still, Norman farmhouse in the background. The Calvados inside the bottle represents a similarly relaxed country atmosphere. The orchard where the apples grow for this brandy also serve as off-season home to the cows of Patrice Giard’s family dairy farm. Giard, whose family has made cider for 13 generations, joined up with Calvados expert Charles Neal to put together the best blend possible of younger barrels. The result here is a country Calvados with a deep history and a fresh approach. The cider ferments on its lees and remains in the barrel for a year before double-distillation and cask aging. At 44% alcohol, this is an assertive spirit with pure apple flavor and nice acidity.