Apple cognac Calvados: what is this drink and how to drink it?

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Among the various types of elite alcoholic beverages, Calvados is very popular among consumers. It is also called apple brandy. In other words, it's apple cognac. Back in the 20th century, this product was known mainly in Normandy. Today it is on store shelves all over the world. What kind of drink is Calvados? How is it served and drunk? How much is Calvados? These questions are mainly of interest to a consumer who is unfamiliar with cognac products based on apple cider. You will learn about the history of the origin of apple cognac, its types and tasting characteristics from this article.

A bit of history

According to the researchers, for the first time Calvados began to be produced already in the 11th century. It was then that the northwestern part of France was captured by the Vikings. Soon, the apple orchards available there began to be used by enterprising conquerors for the preparation of cider, the strength of which did not exceed 5%. Initiallythe procedure for fermenting apple must was used. Soon they decided to use the distillation of the wort, which produced brandy at the output. It was also called eau de vie des pommes (“water of life from apples”).

Calvados received its official status of a new type of alcohol in 1600. At this time, the first enterprise for the production of this drink was founded in Normandy. Apple cognac got its name in the 19th century. According to experts, this drink was named after the Spanish ship El Calvador, which ran aground in northern France.

About production

Making apple cognac is a rather complicated and lengthy procedure. First of all, fruits are selected. This alcoholic drink is made exclusively from local, specially grown varieties of apples, which can be bitter, sour, sweet and bittersweet. If necessary, they can be supplemented with more pears. The base for apple cognac (calvados) is alcohol, which is distilled from 5-degree cider. According to experts, the procedure for obtaining cider is with a clearly regulated technology. If during the production of this raw material any deviation from the norm was made, then the resulting product will no longer be called Calvados.

Distillation is carried out in two ways. Technologists use double and single continuous distillation. To get alcohol, apple cider is poured into a special container, from which it passes into the boiler, where it is heated to 90 degrees. It is noteworthy that the cider is not brought to a boil.directly. For this, technologists use a water bath. As a result, only the lightest volatile fractions are evaporated. This is followed by the collection of alcoholic vapors and their subsequent condensation in a special tube, which is also called the "goose neck" for its curved shape. Then the technology provides for the cooling of alcohol with water to room temperature.

Thus, the first distillation yields raw material, which can be used to make Calvados. Raw alcohol degrees are minimal. In order to increase its strength from 30 degrees to 70, alcohol is sent for re-distillation. According to experts, initially only double distillation was used in the production of Calvados.

About product storage

Calvados is stored in special barrels. According to experts, the ratio between the volume of liquid and the area with which it comes into contact is ideally maintained. Metal containers must not be used. The fact is that the drink will “die” as a result of such storage. As a result, its further aging will be impossible, even if it is poured into oak barrels.

Production technology does not exclude the use of wooden containers in which wine was previously stored. However, before filling the containers with apple cognac, cider is kept in them for several years. This is necessary in order for the vessel to lose the substances with which it was soaked earlier. Apple cognac is only stored in huge barrels. To make it grow old and, accordingly, acquire a certain color, it is poured into barrelssmaller.

About tasting characteristics

Oak barrels containing this alcohol may change its color. Therefore, depending on how many years apple cognac has been aged, it can be with the following shades:

• Light golden yellow.
• Dark amber.
• Caramel.
• Rich honey.

Due to the fact that Calvados has an apple or apple-pear cider base, a variety of flavors is inherent in the drink, namely apples, pears, candied fruits, spices and woods.

Judging by the feedback from consumers, each variety of Calvados has its own flavor notes and shades with a predominance of apple-floral or apple-pear. If we compare Calvados with cognac, then the apple drink is obtained with a stronger and brighter aftertaste. It may even seem to a beginner that the fortress of Calvados is larger. In this case, it is necessary that Calvados “breathe”. If you hold it in a glass for half an hour, the drink will be enriched with oxygen and give up some of the alcohol. As a result, with the already changed taste and aroma, it will be easier to drink it.

Views

The following types of Calvados are classified according to such a parameter as aging time:

• A drink that has been kept in barrels for no more than two years is considered young. It has a light golden-yellow hue, a pronounced apple aroma and a sharp taste. It is a cheap variety. If you want to buy just such Calvados, then pay attention to the label. On it shouldthere is an inscription: "Trois etoiles", "Trois pommes" or "Fine".
• Calvados three years old with a dark and rich hue, oak-apple notes and a sharp taste. Product labels have "Reserve" and "Vieux" written on them.
• Alcoholic products aged 5 years have a milder taste. In addition, it has a dark golden hue, a fruity aroma with a predominance of subtle notes of apples and oak. The manufacturer puts “V. S. O. P.” on the labels. or "V. O".
• A six-year-old Calvados is also called "mature". It is characterized by amber, and sometimes ruby hue. On the palate, there are notes of baked apple, vanilla, chocolate, spices, coffee and roasted almonds. Many consumers like this type precisely for its special softness and long aftertaste. You can find this Calvados by the inscriptions "Extra", "Napoleon", "X. O", "Age Inconnu" and "Hors d'Age".
• "Old" is called Calvados, which is kept for more than 6 years. It differs from the previous type in a richer taste and aroma.
• Millezimny, or annual Calvados. Alcohol is distilled from cider, which is obtained from the annual harvest. This apple cognac has been kept in oak barrels for at least 20 years.

How is it customary to serve?

For those who drink this alcohol for the first time and do not know what kind of drink it is - Calvados and how it should be served correctly, experts recommend the following:

The optimum temperature of Calvados should not be more than 20 degrees. The glass must be held by the leg so that it does not get warm from the heat.arms. This Calvados differs from cognac

• Since Calvados is considered one of the types of cognac, it is poured into cognac glasses. As experts are convinced, it is wrong to do so. The most suitable option is an elegant tulip-shaped glass for grappa. Due to the presence of a thin long leg in it, Calvados will retain the required temperature for a long time.
• Apple cognac is not taken in large sips. To feel the taste and delicate aroma, as well as a rich aftertaste, it is recommended to savor it. If you follow this rule, it will take you half an hour to consume one glass.
• Young and slightly aged apple cognacs are mainly drunk as an aperitif. If desired, you can dilute them with ice or tonic. It is important that the ratio of 1:3 is observed. Mature and more mature varieties are used as a classic digestif. It is better to drink such Calvados undiluted, so as not to disturb its taste and aroma.

What to eat?

According to numerous consumer reviews, no additional snacks are required when drinking Calvados. If the need arose, apple cognacs are especially good with soft Normandy cheeses, light Camembert, fragrant Pont L'Eveque and spicy Livaro.

Other uses

If this alcohol is too strong and rich for you, you can drink it in the form of cocktails. Based on apple cognacs, the following mixes are created:

• "Hawaiian Apple". This drink is made from pineapple juice, brandy and Calvados itself.
• Golden Dawn. This cocktail contains orange juice, gin, apricot brandy and apple cognac.
• Greenwich. Prepare a mix of Crème de Cacao liqueur, gin and Calvados.
• "Po-pom". To make this cocktail you will need Brut cider, fruit, ice, apple cognac, Angostura dash and brandy.
• Lumberjack Jack. The recipe calls for Scotch whisky, lemon zest, gin and calvados.

What do experts advise?

Often, consumers are interested in how much Calvados costs. On average, the price of one 0.7-liter bottle varies from 2 to 12 thousand rubles. In order not to become the owner of a fake, when buying, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:

• The country of manufacture must be indicated on the label. Calvados is produced only in Normandy, in France. No other state in the world has the right to make this drink. In addition, the label with a good Calvados has the inscription Appellation d'origine controlle. She confirms the origin of the name of alcohol.
• The product indicates the aging time and alcohol content.

Consumer Opinion

Judging by the numerous reviews, Calvados Pere Magloire VSOP with an exposure of 4 years is very popular. This alcoholic product has a golden amber color, which looks very attractive.

Drink with a simple but expressive aroma, which traces notes of dried apples, thick apple jam and spices. The taste of this alcohol is quite soft and rich. With a spicy aftertaste, the impression of drinking this apple cognac is very pleasant. A bottle of 0.7 liters will cost you 3 thousand rubles.