Description

Run by brothers Michel and Hubert Havard, Domaine du Tertre is a cider producer that also makes small-batch Calvados. They work with 30 apple varieties, organically grown. Based in AOC Calvados, they distill in a column and the brandy is barreled at full proof. These are hard-to-find, limited-edition spirits, the first single-cask Calvados on the market.

This has strong oak notes on the nose with some underlying apple. The palate starts dry and oaky, then the fruit comes in, but it’s a very dry apple flavor. It’s got a thick, chewy mouthfeel. The finish is woody and slightly fruity then turns to chocolate covered cherries, but without the sweetness, if that make sense.

This is a really lovely and complex Calvados. It’s the polar opposite of the big fruity style of some Calvados (Camut for instance); it’s drier with oak notes and tannins. It’s a great Calvados for a whiskey or Armagnac drinker. Really fantastic stuff.