Events

Calvados and company from Chateau du Breuil
May 2005

Tasting of a range of products from Chateau du Breuil, leading producer in Pays d’Auge, was held in Vinum boutique.

It was run by Didier Bedu, managing director.

Chateau du Breuil is one of a few estates in Normandy aimed at non-industrial production. There are a few unique types of calvados made under the Chateau du Breuil label. This is why the private company is seen as a specialist producer with a niche on the market.

In 1954 Chateau du Breuil was bought by the Bizouard family, traditional calvados producers. Non only they restored the building, which is a monument of 16-17th centuries architecture, but also raised the quality of the renowned Normandy drink to a new level. At present the chateau owns 42 hectares of apple orchards with 22,000 trees. Annual production is around 370,000 bottles.

The tasting featured 5 calvadoses, pommeau de Normandie and liqueur au calvados. All calvadoses are 41% proof and are produced the appellation of Pays d’Auge.

Pommeau de Normandie is a traditional Normandy aperitif with 17% of alcohol. It consists of young calvados (one third of the blend) and apple juice. This is a natural product that doesn’t see any other additives.

Philippe Bizouard Fine Calvados is a young calvados aged in casks for 2 years. Has a very fruity bouquet and is a good cocktail ingredient.

Calvados ‘Reserve des Seigneurs’ XO is a presigious label of the chateau. The average age of spirit in the blend is 20-25 years. It has a nice amber colour, full-bodied structure and a well-balanced aroma. An ideal digestive.

Calvados Millesime 1989 is one of rare examples of a vintage calvados. The vintage date refers to the year of distillation, not the year of harvest. This calvados has a strong, forward, masculine character.

Calvados 14 ans d’age, vieillissement en fut a whisky is a unique product that will be officially launched at Vinexpo in Bordeaux this year. The calvados was aged for the last 6 years in whisky casks from Speyside. Only 5 casks, or 2,000 bottles were made. An unusual drink that features notes of greenery and smoke — more associated with whisky. An interesting product for connoisseurs.

Calvados ‘Royal’ is one of the greatest secrets of the chateau. They use very old spirits (35-45 years) which are refreshed by the younger, 25-year old ones. A noble roundness of taste, power, elegance and deep dimensions.

Liqueur au Calvados is a light liqueur, 24% alcohol, made of Chateau du Breuil calvados, apple juice and sugar. A natural product with bright, refreshing taste of green apples.