Appearance:

Rich, deep amber with golden highlights, slightly viscous with slow, even legs that coat the glass, indicating a mature spirit.

Palate:

The palate opens with a bold and complex wave of baked apple, caramelized pear, and warm vanilla. Layers of spice—cinnamon, clove, and a hint of black pepper—emerge, giving way to subtle oak and earthy undertones. Mid-palate, there’s a nutty quality, with hints of hazelnut and almond, alongside gentle honeyed sweetness balanced by a touch of citrus zest.

Body:

Full-bodied and smooth, with a refined texture that is both rich and clean. The mouthfeel is velvety, allowing the fruit and spice notes to linger beautifully across the palate.

Finish:

Long and warming, with echoes of baked apple, toasted wood, and a gentle tannic grip. The finish gradually reveals a hint of leather and dried fruit, with a light smokiness from the oak aging that adds depth and sophistication.

Complexity:

Highly complex. The interplay between the rich apple flavors and the oak-induced spice is masterful, and each sip reveals new layers, from fruit to spice to earthiness. It rewards a slow and attentive tasting.

Overall Impressions:

Claque-Pepin Calvados Vieille Reserve is a distinguished expression of aged Calvados, embodying the perfect balance between fruit and oak. It showcases the best qualities of Normandy apples, expertly distilled and aged to bring out nuanced flavors and a warm, structured profile. This is a Calvados for serious spirits enthusiasts, suited to sipping slowly to appreciate its evolution in the glass, making it an excellent choice for after-dinner enjoyment or pairing with cheese and nuts.