Claque Pepin Vieille Reserve (Organic) Calvados Brandy 750ml

Claque-Pépin was founded in 2005 by Benoît Louvet in Normandy, in the countryside between the Pays d'Auge and the Domfrontais, on a historic farm property near the château of Serans. The estate takes its name from a variety of apple that rattles its seeds when ripe, a nod to the fruit at the heart of everything the domaine produces. Louvet and his team oversee the entire process themselves, from tending organic orchards through harvest, pressing, and bottling, and the operation holds the distinction of being the first certified organic Calvados producer sold in the United States.

This Calvados is distilled from cider made with a blend of organic apples and a portion of pears grown within the AOC Calvados zone, then aged in oak casks for an average of six years to develop color and depth. The result is bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume, reflecting the traditional methods long practiced in this corner of northwestern France, where orchard fruit rather than grapes forms the backbone of the region's distilling heritage.

The glass shows a warm amber hue with aromas of poached pear, baked apple, and cinnamon. On the palate, flavors of peach, brown sugar, caramel, and baked pineapple unfold into a smooth, full texture, finishing with salted caramel, toasted nuts, and a touch of clove. It pairs nicely with roasted pork, aged cheeses, or a warm apple tart.