What is the difference between calvados and applejack?
Calvados is apple and pear brandy made in Normandy and neighbouring areas under French appellation rules. Applejack is an American name: under US federal rules, "applejack" can mean apple brandy, and "blended applejack" is at least 20% apple brandy aged two years in oak, mixed with neutral spirits. Both are bottled at 40% ABV or more.
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Calvados vs applejack at a glance
| Calvados | Applejack (US) | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | French AOC rules [1] | US federal standards of identity [2] |
| US definition | Apple brandy distilled exclusively in France under French law [2] | Another name for apple brandy [2] |
| Fruit | Cider apples and perry pears [3] | Apples |
| Ageing | At least 2 years in oak (3 for Domfrontais) [4] | Blended applejack: apple brandy portion aged at least 2 years in oak [5] |
| Neutral spirits | Not part of calvados | Blended applejack may contain up to 80% [5] |
| Minimum strength | 40% ABV [4] | 40% ABV for brandy and blended applejack [2] [5] |
What is blended applejack?
US rules define it as a mix containing at least 20% apple brandy that has been stored in oak for at least 2 years, with no more than 80% neutral spirits, bottled at 40% ABV or more. [5] So "applejack" on a US label may mean pure apple brandy or a blend; read the full name.
How do calvados and applejack taste different?
Calvados comes off the still colourless, floral and fruity, and in oak it moves towards cooked apple, vanilla, honey, spice or walnut. [6] Blended applejack is mostly neutral spirits, which US rules define as distilled to 95% ABV or more, and it may contain up to 80% of them. [7] [5] So in a blended applejack, the apple and oak flavour comes only from its aged apple brandy share, at least 20%.
Are there other apple brandies?
Yes. Other protected cider brandies include Eau-de-vie de cidre de Bretagne in France and Somerset Cider Brandy in England. [8] [9] See what cider brandy is.
Related answers: what calvados is · what cider brandy is
Find it on Cider Radar
- Normandy: 114 cider makers listed (as of 2026-10-02), including calvados houses.
- United States: 857 cider makers listed (as of 2026-10-02). Check profiles for brandy.
- Glossary: calvados
- Open the map: app.ciderradar.com · iPhone · Android
Cider, perry, calvados and pommeau are alcoholic drinks. Enjoy responsibly and follow the legal drinking age where you live.
Questions
What is applejack?
Sources
- Calvados (AOC) — INAO
- 27 CFR 5.145 – Brandy (standards of identity) — eCFR (US Government Publishing Office)
- The Calvados appellations — Calvados Nouvelle Vogue (IDAC)
- FAQ — Calvados Nouvelle Vogue (IDAC)
- 27 CFR 5.146 – Blended applejack — eCFR (US Government Publishing Office)
- How is Calvados made — Calvados Nouvelle Vogue (IDAC)
- 27 CFR 5.142 – Neutral spirits or alcohol — eCFR (US Government Publishing Office)
- Eau-de-vie de cidre de Bretagne (AOC) — INAO
- Somerset Cider Brandy (PGI) — Defra (GOV.UK)