Cider Chat15 Jan 2020

208: Calvados and Apple Brandy Tasting

The tables are set with 6 stemmed glasses per person, each holding a tasting of Calvados or American Apple Brandy. There are over 60 settings. It is a sold out night. At 6:30 pm, the house lights are lowered and it is ready-set-go!

On this 1st of November we are here to taste brandy and find out the difference between Calvados and Apple Brandy, and believe me there is a very wide difference between these two spirits.

The event is is the kick off to the 25th Annual Franklin County CiderDays. I have asked Ambrosia Borowski to present, because like me we both love Calvados and have traveled to France to taste this spirit where it is born.

Ambrosia Borowski and Ria Windcaller

This episode will follows my typical script of having an intro and an end. You also have the option to view the presentation at the Cider Chat YouTube Channel and see the slide show presentation too.

Here are the main topics discussed.

How to Taste Calvados

Look
Smell
Taste
Imagine

How to taste Calvados

History

Brandy
Calvados
American

Regions

Normandy
- Climate
American
- Major Regions

Regulations

Norman AOC
American Brandy Laws
Apple Jack
Brandy vs eau de vie

Distillation

Alembic Still
Hybrid Still

Maturation

Barrel Types
Climate
Blending

Order of Products Tasted

Uncle John's Apple Brandy, Michigan
Rhine Hall - Apple Brandy - Louisville, Kentucky
Copper & King Apple Brandy
Sang-Froid single variety Grimes Golden, Maryland - this is a bonus Brandy that was brought to the Tasting by the producer
Calvados Claque-Pepin Fine
Calvados Coquerel
Calvados Chauffe Coeur VSOP

Slide 1: Calvados and Brandy producers

All these products can be found in the US. Ask your local liquor store to for these and other fine Calvados spirits.

Click on link below to view the Slide Show Presentation used at this Tasting

Calvados & Apple Brandy Tasting

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