Calvados Berneroy VSOP

A light floral apple aroma with a touch of ethanol on the nose. The lighter golden color and medium body feel more substantial in the mouth than the visual suggests. Tastes of poached pears and old apples. Subdued, mildly sweet with some vanilla. Baking spices and a waxy (slightly citrusy) apple peel on a long, clean finish. Less oak influence and simpler in flavor than the Berneroy XO. An easily drinkable brandy (or good for cocktails) without harsh ethanol notes.

My initial experience with calvados. Well, technically the second, but the first one doesn't count as it was a budget bottle intended for cooking. (Try it with pumpkin cheesecake, finished with calvados sauce... it's delicious). This drink embodies autumn in a bottle. It smells of green apples and fresh cider. The taste is sweet, like apples dipped in honey. While I might not make it a regular drink, it's excellent in the right setting (autumn, a cool evening, and after a hearty meal).

A robust Calvados from the heart of the Calvados region in France. Berneroy aged this VSOP in oak for approximately 8 years. It begins with apple and wood notes; the palate has floral and vanilla characteristics leading to a rich and balanced conclusion. November 2015 / August 2017 / February 2019

This is the second Calvados I've tried, the first being Pere Magloire VSOP. It's less sweet, with more earthiness and delicate baking spice notes. It makes you want to keep sipping to uncover its complexity. However, it's a bit too alcoholic and bitter for my preference.

It presents a deep golden hue and a potent green apple aroma. The flavor is dominated by green apple and is exceptionally smooth, with hints of toasted marshmallow. The finish is quite sweet.

Not overly sweet. Good apple character with a well-balanced level of warm spices from the cask. I prefer this over the XO expression.