One of the older recording dating back to 2021. It was a great honour to catch up with Christian Drouin in the brake of the Spirits Selection Competition and ask him a few questions. It got rather noisy towards the end and apologise for this as it does effect the sound quality. However the insights from Christian are very valuable and despite all odds I wanted to share this with the audience.

Calvados, at its core, is a spirit made from apple (pear as blend in some AOC regulations are allowed). The journey begins in the picturesque orchards of Normandy, where a diverse array of apple 40+ varieties, each contributing its unique flavour profile, is carefully selected. From the crisp acidity of the bittersweet apples to the aromatic sweetness of the bitter ones, this blend forms the foundation of Calvados.

After picking the apples the juice is extracted, fermented and the “cider” is then distilled. Traditionally distilled twice in copper pot stills, this process refines the cider into eau-de-vie, a clear and potent apple spirit. It is then usually in aged in medium to large oak barrels.

Christian Drouin, a revered name in the world of spirits, is a master of Calvados. He is ensuring that each bottle tells a story of patience, expertise, and the unique terroir of Normandy.

Join us as we unravel the layers of Calvados, from its humble orchard origins to the refined elixir that graces glasses worldwide. Christian Drouin will guide us through the nuanced steps and unveil the craftsmanship behind every sip.

Introduction

The KrisXperience ShowBy Kristian KielmayerSep 20, 2022