Calvados Berneroy XO

No big expectations here - really just looking to try something new from the brandy category. As someone who likes cognac and Armagnac this started out with promise. Lots of caramel apple notes and older oak on the nose. The palate is a bit thin and follows the nose initially but turns leathery and a bit bitter. There is also an off, burning plastic type note that kills it for me on the finish. Trying to mix this ha proven difficult. As a whiskey sub in an old fashioned that bitter tannic twang persists, following what initially are really pleasant apple pie and caramel notes. Mixed with passion fruit liqueur and topped with club soda it’s passable as a summer drink but not one I would ever request. As a category I’m intrigued but need to find something, maybe even a bit younger, that doesn’t nosedive into bitter territory.

Nose of green apple, oak, and slight pears. On the palette, baking spices and baked apples are complimented well by a medium body of oak and bright, green apple sweetness. On the finish, I find a lovely note of fairground green caramel apples. As a cognac drinker primarily, this is a familiar yet still interesting experience. Lovely and very approachable, especially at this very low price point.

Fruit sweetness on the nose. Baked apple tempered by a long time in oak, gives this a little earth and vanilla twist before the clean apple finish. Not overly sweet, but crisp like a cognac. Dark color and medium body. Excellent on its own or in a classic cocktail. Exceptionally priced for an XO too.

The apple is very noticeable on the palate,but not too much. There is a good spice and oak kick on the back end with a short finish. If you're a congac fan its worth a try. It paired very well with several cigars if that's your thing

A little more earthy than your typical calvados but I like a lil funk so I’m kinda into it! Good as a cognac substitute in cocktails for a sweet kick.

Having been to the region, you can really taste the terroir. A grassy funky apple reminiscent of how some of the soft cheeses taste