Christian Drouin XO Pays d' Auge Calvados Brandy 750ml

Christian Drouin, known also under the Coeur de Lion name in tribute to Richard the Lionheart, has been distilling in the Pays d'Auge since Christian Drouin Sr. bought the Fief Sainte Anne farm near Honfleur in 1960. His son took the helm in 1969, guided in part by the expertise of cider distiller Pierre Pivet, and the estate went on to earn international recognition, including double gold honors at San Francisco's World Spirits Competition. The Drouin family's orchards span some thirty apple varieties, each harvested and stored separately until blended for pressing.

XO follows the same base production as the house's VSOP, made from a mix of bitter, bittersweet, sweet, and sharp cider apples fermented and double distilled in traditional copper pot stills. Where it diverges is in maturation: alongside refill and former wine casks, part of the blend rests in old cognac casks, and further portions age in barrels that previously held fortified wine and brandy. That layered cask program builds noticeably more spice and depth than the VSOP, extending well beyond the appellation's four year minimum.

The nose is dense and rich, opening with baked apple and tarte tatin before shifting toward a subtle nuttiness and hints of rancio developed through the extended oak contact. The palate carries that same richness through to a long finish, with almond and dried fruit lingering alongside the signature apple core.