Where can I buy apple brandy?
You can buy apple brandy from distilleries and cider makers who distil, from specialist spirits shops and liquor stores, and from online retailers. Look for the type you want: calvados from Normandy, applejack or apple brandy from the US, Somerset cider brandy from England, or eau-de-vie de cidre from Brittany.
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Key facts
- US names. Under US rules, fruit brandy from apples is labelled "apple brandy", and "apple brandy" may be designated "applejack". [1] Blended applejack is a separate category; see calvados vs applejack. [2]
- Protected names. Calvados is a French AOC, Eau-de-vie de cidre de Bretagne is a Breton AOC, and Somerset Cider Brandy is a UK PGI. [3] [4] [5]
- Strength. Calvados must be at least 40% ABV to be sold. [6]
Where can I buy apple brandy?
- At the distillery. Many calvados houses and cider makers who distil sell from their own shop; see where to buy calvados for calvados.
- Specialist spirits shops. These usually stock several ages of calvados and often American apple brandy and English cider brandy.
- Liquor stores and supermarkets. Larger stores carry the best-known calvados and applejack brands.
- Online. Spirits retailers and some makers sell through their own websites.
Which kind of apple brandy should I buy?
| Type | Where it comes from | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Calvados | Normandy and nearby areas, under AOC rules | what calvados is |
| Applejack and apple brandy | United States | calvados vs applejack |
| Cider brandy | England, including Somerset (PGI) | what cider brandy is |
| Eau-de-vie de cidre de Bretagne | Brittany (AOC) | what cider brandy is |
Apple brandy is also blended with apple juice to make pommeau; see the glossary entry for pommeau. For pairing ideas, see what goes with calvados.
How do I read an apple brandy label?
- The fruit is in the name. US rules say a brandy from one kind of fruit is named "brandy" plus the fruit, such as apple brandy; a brandy from several fruits must be called "fruit brandy" with a statement of what it is made from. [1]
- Applejack. On a US label, applejack and apple brandy mean the same spirit, because "apple brandy" may be designated "applejack". [1] Blended applejack is a different, lighter category; see calvados vs applejack. [2]
- Calvados. In the US, calvados is defined as "Apple brandy distilled exclusively in France in accordance with the laws and regulations of France regulating the manufacture of Calvados". [1]
- Age. Calvados is aged only in oak, and "Depending on the appellation, Calvados can only be sold after a minimum ageing of two or three years." [7] Age words such as VSOP and XO are explained in where to buy calvados.
- Strength. Calvados must be at least 40% ABV when sold. [6]
If you want to try making it yourself, note that home distilling is regulated; see can you make apple brandy at home.
Related answers: where to buy calvados · calvados vs applejack
Find it on Cider Radar
- Cider makers in Normandy: 114 makers listed (as of 2026-10-02), including producers of calvados and pommeau. Also Somerset (41), as of 2026-10-02.
- Glossary: calvados · Guide: where to buy cider
- You can order directly from the maker in Cider Radar (iOS, Android and web).
- 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
Is apple brandy the same as calvados?
Calvados is one kind of apple brandy. US rules define calvados as apple brandy distilled in France under the French calvados rules, so every calvados is an apple brandy but not every apple brandy is calvados. [1] See what calvados is.
Sources
- 27 CFR 5.145 – Brandy (standards of identity) — eCFR (US Government Publishing Office)
- 27 CFR 5.146 – Blended applejack — eCFR (US Government Publishing Office)
- Calvados (AOC) — INAO
- Eau-de-vie de cidre de Bretagne (AOC) — INAO
- Somerset Cider Brandy (PGI) — Defra (GOV.UK)
- FAQ — Calvados Nouvelle Vogue (IDAC)
- How is Calvados made — Calvados Nouvelle Vogue (IDAC)