Calvados Hors d'Age
Produced in the Pays d'Auge from bitter, bitter-sweet, sweet and sharp cider apples by double distillation in copper stills, Christian Drouin Hors d'Age Calvados is an award-winning blend that has been aged for more than fifteen years in a collection of former Calvados casks. It presents a stunning and complex example of small production artisanal Calvados - and it is a product that undoubtedly deserves all of its praise and accolades.
From fruity aromas of fresh apples to ripe apples, cooked apples, stewed apples and then dried fruit – the aromatic profile of the Calvados is enhanced by floral and spicy notes taken from the wood. Meanwhile, the calvados gradually becomes smoother as the years pass by. It’s down to Christian Drouin and his son Guillaume to decide when the process is complete and the sweet liquid gold is ready for bottling.
The house of Drouin tells a story of passion starting in 1960 when Christian Drouin Senior became the owner of Fiefs SaintAnne on the Gonneville hills, near Honfleur. Once the farm was planted with apple trees, he acquired a hunger to produce his own calvados. For the next twenty years, he did just that going headfirst into the distillation process, before putting the eaux-de-vie aside for ageing. Ever since the family business has continued to blossom with Christian Drouin Junior and his son Guillaume now at the forefront of production and business management.
Presentation of the bottle
Dressed in a suave and sophisticated bottle, the presentation of Christian Drouin Hors d’Age is in keeping with other bottles of the brand’s collection in terms of form. This unique product, however, features metallic orange embellishments including a lions crest which appears to be symbolic of the brand’s company logo. Further orange details are seen on the neck of the bottle and typography - a design choice that completes the overall design with elegant harmony. An elegant bottle worthy of its place in even the most discerning of spirits collections.
How to enjoy
Serve Hors d’Age neat or on the rocks. This way you’ll be able to appreciate the eaux-de-vie in its purest form without distraction. Pair with a fruit dessert such as a Tarte Tatin or apple pie for a deliciously sweet and indulgent experience of fine quality.
Awards
Bronze Medal, World Calvados Awards 2021 Gold Medal, Concours Agricole de Paris,
2019 Gold Medal, Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge, 2019
Silver Medal, ADI's Judging of Craft Spirits (USA),
2019 Silver Medal "remarkable",
IWSC, 2018 (UK)
Gold Medal, Gilbert & Gaillard 2017 (France)
Silver Medal, Concours de Lyon 2017 (France)
Bronze Medal, All Wines Asia 2017 ( Hong Kong)
Silver Medal "outstanding"l, IWSC London 2016 (UK)
1st prize, Saint Hilaire du Harcouet 2016 (France)
Gold Medal, Vinalies Internationales 2016 (France)
Silver Medal, Hong Kong 2015 Silver Outstanding Medal,
I.W.S.C. London 2014 (UK)
"Prix d'Excellence", Vinalies Nationales 2013 (France)
95/100, "Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation", Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2013
(USA) Silver Medal, I.W.S.C. London 2010 (UK)
88/100 Guide des Vins Gilbert & Gaillard 2010 (France)
***** Highest Recommendation - Spirit Journal Dec. 2009 (USA)
« Prix d'Excellence », Vinalies 2009 (France)
95/100 Dina Viner Dec. 2008 - Mikael Christiansson (Sweden)
Silver Medal, Brussels World Contest 2007(Belgium)
Silver Medal, Vimoutiers 2007(France)
Silver Medal, I.S.C. London 2006 (UK)
Silver Medal, Metz 2006 (France)
Gold Medal, Paris 2005(France)
Gold Medal, Lisieux 2005, 2004, 1996, 1993 (France)
Gold Medal, Best Calvados, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2003 (USA)
Gold Medal, Vinalies Internationales 2003 Silver Medal, Caen 2003 (France)
"Classic (96-100) Highest Recommendation" in The WINE ENTHUSIAST- Dec. 2002 (USA)
Gold Medal, Brussels World Contest 2002 (Belgium)
Silver Medal, San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2000 (USA)
**** Vin & Mat n° 1, 2000 (Sweden)
