What is calvados hors d'age?
Hors d'âge is an age statement on calvados meaning the youngest brandy in the blend has aged at least 6 years in oak. The same 6-year minimum covers XO, Très Vieille Réserve, Très Vieux, Extra and Napoléon. Age statements are optional, but when used they must follow these rules.
Updated
Key facts
- Hors d'âge = 6+ years. Same minimum as XO, Très Vieille Réserve, Très Vieux, Extra and Napoléon. [1]
- Youngest counts. The age on a blend refers to its youngest calvados. [1]
- Optional, but regulated. Age statements are not mandatory; if printed, they must meet the minimums. [1]
What do the calvados age terms mean?
The calvados trade body lists these minimum ageing periods in oak: [1]
| Label term | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| VS, Three stars, Three apples | 2 years |
| Réserve, Vieux (Old) | 3 years |
| VO, VSOP, Vieille Réserve | 4 years |
| Hors d'âge, XO, Très Vieille Réserve, Très Vieux, Extra, Napoléon | 6 years |
Calvados in general needs at least 2 years in oak before sale, and Calvados Domfrontais at least 3. [2]
Is a "30 years" calvados exactly 30 years old?
Not exactly: the number shows the age of the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend, so older brandies can be part of it — a 50-year-old calvados may sit inside a bottle labelled "30 years". [1] Why time in oak changes the spirit is covered in why calvados is aged.
Related answers: what is calvados · how is calvados made
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Questions
Does a vintage calvados follow the same rule?
No. A vintage calvados is a blend of eaux-de-vie distilled in the same year, and that year appears on the label instead of an age term. [1]
Does calvados keep ageing in the bottle?
No. Calvados stops ageing once bottled, which is why the bottling year is recommended on the label. [1]
Sources
- Understanding the label — IDAC — Calvados Nouvelle Vogue
- Frequently Asked Questions — IDAC — Calvados Nouvelle Vogue