Thirty apple varieties, a handful of pears, double-distilled in a copper pot still and left in old oak for well over a decade. Calvados is Normandy's answer to cognac — and this is the house that convinced the rest of the world to take it seriously.
More than thirty apple varieties — bitter, bittersweet, sweet and acidic — plus pears, each picked at its own moment.
Slow Fermentation
The cider ferments for several weeks with wild yeasts before it goes anywhere near a still, building real depth.
Double Distilled
Pays d'Auge is the only Calvados appellation that requires two passes through a copper pot still — as cognac is made.
Old Oak
Aged well past the six years XO demands in a mix of old casks, so the wood frames the fruit rather than covering it.
What Sets It Apart
Thirty Apple Varieties
Bitter, sweet and acidic, blended for balance
Pays d'Auge AOC
The only appellation requiring double distillation
Long Aged
Well beyond the minimum the XO grade requires
Family Run
Three generations in the Pays d'Auge
Tasting Profile
Baked Apple
Oak & Vanilla
Spice
Fresh Fruit
Baked AppleQuinceCinnamonVanillaDried Pear
How to Serve It
Neat, After Dinner
A tulip glass at room temperature, taken slowly
Over One Large Cube
A little chill lifts the fresh apple right up
The Calvados Sour
Lemon, sugar and egg white — a superb autumn drink
Pairs Well With
Camembert
Same region, same fields — a perfect local match
Tarte Tatin
Apple on apple, caramelised on both sides
Roast Pork
The classic Norman pairing, fat cut by fruit
Salted Caramel
Normandy butter, Normandy apples — of course
The Finishing Touches
Green Velvet Gift Box
Our signature presentation box, added at checkout.
Hand-Tied Ribbon
Wide cream satin, tied by hand into a full bow.
Signature Gift Bag
Our matching gift bag, so it's ready to hand over on arrival.
Your Message
Add a personal note at checkout — we'll include it with the delivery.
Sending it as a surprise? Enter the recipient's address at checkout and we'll deliver straight to their door, boxed, ribboned and carrying your message — in as little as 30–45 minutes anywhere in London.
How We Deliver
London · 30–45 Minutes
Delivered to your door 24/7, 365 days a year, across Greater London.
UK-Wide Delivery
Express in 1–2 business days, standard in 3–5. Rates shown at checkout.
Tracked & Confirmed
Shipment confirmation with live tracking sent to your email.
Challenge 21
Age verified on delivery — 18+ ID required. Responsible retailing, always.
At a Glance
Origin
Pays d'Auge, Normandy, France
House
Christian Drouin
Style
XO Calvados Pays d'Auge AOC
Fruit
30+ apple varieties and pears
ABV
40%
Bottle Size
70cl
Questions
Is Calvados just apple brandy?
Technically yes, but that undersells it badly. Proper Calvados is fermented like a cider, distilled like a cognac and aged like a whisky — and at this age it drinks like a fine brandy that happens to smell of orchards, not like anything sweet or obviously fruity.
What makes Pays d'Auge different?
It is the most tightly regulated of the Calvados appellations and the only one that requires double distillation in a copper pot still. It also demands a longer minimum ageing. In practice it is where the region's finest bottles come from.
Is it sweet?
No. There is no sugar added at any stage — the sweetness you perceive is entirely from the fruit and the oak. It finishes dry, which is why it works so well after a meal rather than alongside dessert.
Who is this a good gift for?
Anyone who likes aged spirits and has never been given a Calvados — which is most people. It is also a lovely autumn and winter gift, and a genuine conversation piece on a shelf full of the usual whiskies.
Can you deliver it directly to the person I'm gifting?
Yes — enter their address at checkout and add your message. In London it can be at their door within 30–45 minutes, any hour of the day. The recipient must be 18+ with ID for our Challenge 21 check.
Why Buy From Drinks House 247
✔ 100% authentic stock✔ 4.8★ Google · 223 reviews✔ Gift-boxed and ribboned✔ Open 24/7, 365 days✔ London's 24-hour spirits house, based in Battersea
18+ Please enjoy Christian Drouin responsibly. For guidance and support, visit drinkaware.co.uk.
