Spirits / Calvados / Calvados Adrien Camut

Calvados Adrien Camut - Pays d'Auge

The Domaine de Semainville

Semainville, Pays d’Auge

Since the 1800s, the Camut family has grown 46.5 hectares of apple trees in the Pays d'Auge, the finest growing region for Calvados. In Normandy, 800 types of apples are grown; the Camut family grow about 25 of these, all of which are hand-harvested at optimum maturity between October and mid-December. While pears are allowed in Calvados (actually mandatory in the Domfrontais region with a minimum of 30%), only apples grown on the Camut property are used in Camut calvados.

Cider is made from these apples and rests in oak barrels for 10 or 11 months. In September, the cider is double-distilled with two of the property's wood-fueled stills, one of which is 75 years old. It enters the barrels at 126 proof, then is reduced by about 20 proof. During the first 2 years, the calvados is frequently transferred between barrels in an effort to promote oxidation. No new barrels are used; most have their origin in Limousin and average 50 years of age.

For its third birthday, the calvados is placed in large wooden vats or foudres. These are always kept between 2/3 and 3/4 full, which allows for a constant exchange of oxygen and a gradual reduction and concentration of the apple brandy. The blends are as natural as possible--time alone has mellowed these rich, lush spirits.

---

Pommeau de Semainville
Pommeau is the Normand equivalent of Pineau des Charentes. Unlike Pineau which is made with 2/3 grape must (unclarified juice) and 1/3 cognac, Pommeau is made with 2/3 apple must and a 1/3 calvados (in this case, 4 years old). 2001 was the first year that Camut released this Apéritif Normand. 

Typically Pommeau is served as an aperitif, but with its baked apple, smoke, licorice and toffee notes, it is also an excellent accompaniment to apple, nut or caramel- based desserts. At 17% alcohol (34 proof), one does not have to think twice about having it as an after-dinner drink. Camut's Pommeau (like their calvados) is made with juice from 25 different types of apples, all of which are grown in the family's orchards.

A highly-respected grower with one of the best collections of old Calvados around, normally showing notes of baked apples and licorice. — Decanter

Calvado s Adrien Camut 6 Year Old NV
Aromas of green apple and caramel. Impressive viscosity for a relatively young (hors d'age) spirit. Long finish reminiscent of initial aromas. 86 proof

Calvados Adrien Camut 12 Year Old NV
Forward aromas of baked apple, honey, cream, spice. Layered notes of smoky green apple in mouth. Displays plenty of depth for its relatively young age. Long, pure finish. 82 proof

Calvados Adrien Camut 15 Year Old NV
[TBD]

Calvados Adrien Camut 18 Year Old “Privilege” NV
Amber color. Melted toffee along with subdued notes of spiced apple and honey. Lovely round mouthfeel, with just a finishing touch of smoke and floral notes. 86 proof

Calvados Adrien Camut Calvados Semainville NV
A blend of 25-30 year old Calvados. Deep amber color. Refined, rich, sweet nose of baked apples, melted toffee, honey and a hint of tobacco. Plenty of bright apple fruit in the mouth with a finishing note of cigar spice and almond. 80 proof.

A superb nose of mirabelle plum characterizes the lovely eau de vie from this beautiful domaine. Rich nose, a silky mouthfeel and phenomenal length. Great! — Revue de Vin de France

Calvados Adrien Camut “Reserve d'Adrien” NV 
A blend of 35-40 year old Calvados, 80 proof. Deep Amber color. Hint of walnut (rancio) on nose. Rich and round apple notes in total harmony with alcohol and tannin. Creamy texture allows waves of developed vanilla to glide across the palate. Finishes with hints of cigar spice and a touch of orange. Lovely fond-de-verre.

Complex, long and perfectly balanced. A perfect partner for a robust cigar.— L'Amateur de Cigare

Calvados Adrien Camut  “Prestige” NV
40-50 years old, 40 proof. Deep amber color. Tremendous legs. Nutty vanilla on the nose. Deep notes of preserved, baked apple, smoke, and prune. Impeccably balanced, earthy complexity. Long, pure finish.

Calvados Adrien Camut “Rareté” NV 


Calvados Adrien Camut Pommeau de Semainville NV