Calvados Pays d'Auge Boulard XO

The Boulard Calvados Pays d’Auge XO is a fine distillate of apple cider that synthesizes the aromas present in each Calvados produced by this family-run Maison founded in 1825 in Coquainvilliers, Lower Normandy. The Boulards are the pioneers of the double distillation technique in the region, and at their initiative, the AOC Calvados Pays d’Auge was created in 1942. The double distillation process consists of two successive heatings, the first aimed at boiling the cider, bringing the liquid to an alcohol content of 28-30%, while the second aims to further concentrate the mass through evaporation, obtaining a product with an alcohol content not exceeding 72 degrees. During processing, both the initial and final parts of the distillate are discarded to achieve a distillate of extraordinary purity.

The Boulard Calvados Pays d’Auge XO comes from a blend of numerous crus of Calvados Pays d’Auge produced through the double distillation technique. Once the different batches of eau-de-vie are blended, the process continues with aging in French oak barrels for a long period, ranging from 6 to 15 years. The abbreviation ‘XO’ indeed means “Extra Old”. During the maturation phase, a portion of the liquid evaporates, and this percentage is called part des anges, meaning “the angels' share”.

The Pays d’Auge XO Calvados from Maison Boulard expresses a dark amber color with coppery reflections. On the nose, aromas of dried almond, sweet spices, and tarte tatin of apples follow one another, enriched by toasted wood nuances. The taste is warm, round, and soft, with a long persistence. The advice is to indulge in this Calvados at the end of a meal as a warm treat.