I've only tried a few Calvados bottles, so I wouldn't claim to be an expert. Daron is a negociant, meaning they purchase calvados at different stages and bottle it under their own brand rather than owning an orchard or distilling themselves. They don't seem to specify their source, so it's not exactly transparent, but it tastes alright. The aroma is musty, with some pear notes. It seems to suggest an older calvados, but after the first few sips, you realize it's quite young and rather thin, with baked apple, cinnamon, and oak. The finish is unremarkable but smooth with no harshness. I don't think Daron is bad; it's just not particularly exciting. I'm not fond of their lack of transparency, and at around $40, I'm unsure if it offers good value. I would likely stick with something like Busnel or Lemorton.
Calvados Daron Fine
3.60 Decent
Brandy Calvados Calvados Pays d'Auge No age statement 40% ABV
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About this bottle
Owned by Maison Ferrand, a French spirits company, Calvados Daron Fine follows a recipe passed down through generations. The cider used for distillation is made from the initial pressing of tart and sharp apples, along with a type of perry pear. Although it lacks an official age statement, the components of this blend have aged in oak for at least two years.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 6 parsed reviews.
Relatively mild, with notes of green apple and vanilla from the oak. It's not as heavily oaked as some Calvados, and is quite smooth.
Appley at the start (reminiscent of Apple Hill). Zippy going down. A slightly burnt aftertaste.
Dominant notes of apple.
A solid score.
A solid score.
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