Why is calvados aged?
Calvados is aged in oak so it develops colour, aroma and length. Young calvados is straw-yellow with clear fruit or floral notes; older calvados turns amber and shows candied fruit, nuts, caramel or chocolate. The rules require at least 2 years in oak before sale, and 3 years for Calvados Domfrontais.
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Key facts
- Minimum time in oak. 2 years for AOC Calvados and Calvados Pays d'Auge; 3 years for Calvados Domfrontais. [1] [2]
- What changes. Colour first, then aroma and length on the palate. [1]
- Evaporation. The "angels' share" lowers volume and strength over the years. [1]
What does ageing do to the taste?
According to the calvados trade body, a younger calvados tends to be straw yellow with distinct fruit or floral aromas, while an old one becomes amber, close to mahogany, with a more complex mix of candied fruit, dried nuts, caramel or chocolate. [1]
What is the minimum ageing time for calvados?
The minimum before release is 2 years in oak barrels, and 3 years for Calvados Domfrontais. [1] [2] Longer ageing is shown with label terms such as VSOP (4 years) or hors d'âge (6 years) — see what hors d'âge means.
Does calvados keep ageing after bottling?
No — ageing happens in wood, not in glass. For storage after opening see does calvados go bad.
Related answers: calvados hors d age · how is calvados made
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Questions
What is the angels' share?
It is the part of the spirit that evaporates from the barrel during ageing; alcohol content falls gradually over time. [1]
Can calvados be sold at cask strength?
Most calvados is reduced with water to at least 40% abv, but some cask-strength bottlings are unreduced and can reach about 55% vol. [1]
Sources
- Frequently Asked Questions — IDAC — Calvados Nouvelle Vogue
- The Calvados trio with their terroirs & appellations — IDAC — Calvados Nouvelle Vogue