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

1. Uncle John's Apple Brandy, Michigan
2. Rhine Hall - Apple Brandy - Louisville, Kentucky
3. Copper & King Apple Brandy
4. Sang-Froid single variety Grimes Golden, Maryland - this is a bonus Brandy that was brought to the Tasting by the producer
5. Calvados Claque-Pepin Fine
6. Calvados Coquerel
7. 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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