Calvados Christian Drouin 17yo Mars Cask Finish, Wild Series 04

Calvados Pays d’Auge 17yo, Mars Cask Finish, 50,6% ABV, Cask Strength, only 150 bottles, 500ml

« There's something for everyone at the international buffet; croissants slathered with conserves, an array of different meats charred over the grill, and tempting fruit desserts, just save room for the apple snow. »

Colour : Tobacco

Nose : Overripe apples, apple snow, pear drops, lavender, orange blossom honey, lemon sorbet, petrichor, frangipane, white chocolate buttons, geranium milk chocolate buttons, Neapolitan ice cream, barley sugar, a fabulously perfumed bouquet of flowers (rose, hyacinth, honeysuckle, geranium, carnation and stocks), hockey sticks and brass polish, plus a hint of sweet smoke.

Palate : Smooth and creamy mouthfeel, hot buttered croissants with honey, marmalade and damson jam, sloe gin, blueberries, apples, pears, oranges, strawberries, mango, coconut, clove balls, butter balls, aniseed balls, sage mashed potatoes with lashings of butter, antique oak trunk and wafts of sweet smoke.

Finish : Damson jam, apple doughnuts with a small hint of smoke near the end.

Conclusion : A really exciting, meaty and perfumed Calvados thanks partly to the Japanese Mars whisky cask finish introducing meaty, chocolate and barley sugar notes, plus a hint of smoke. Snap it up whilst you can!