Visit the distilleries and breweries
Normandy is the emblematic region of the apple, it is found in all its forms including a variety of golden spirits that the whole world envies. These beverages hide a know-how of several generations, several centuries or even almost a millennium. Cider, Calvados and Pommeau are all linked in their manufacturing process but all have their own secrets that you can discover by visiting the domains and distilleries of the territory.
At the origin of the three Norman alcohols
From the ripe apples fallen from the tree is made a juice which, after fermentation of several months, gives birth to cider whose bubbles roll along the palate, letting explode in mouth the flavors of apples of
Normandy apples. In the Pays d'Auge, ciders are slightly sweet and acidic, which makes them thirst-quenching and gives them an alcohol content of between 3.5% and 4.5%.
Note! Only semi-dry ciders that meet very precise specifications can obtain the Pays d'Auge Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
Calvados
Calvados is born from cider, an aromatic nectar with a beautiful vermilion color. After a long fermentation of the cider, it is then distilled twice for many months before being put in oak barrels where it is peacefully left to age and mature. However, two years are the minimum required for it to obtain the AOC Calvados Pays d'Auge appellation.
The Pommeau
The cider and the calvados allowed the creation, in 1982, of the Pommeau, sweet and powerful at the same time mixing these two alcohols. The Calvados used is aged for at least 2 years and then the mixture is left to age for 18 months, its alcohol content then reaching about 18%.
Discovering the distilleries
Calvados Experience, a multi-sensory museum
Distillerie Père Magloire, Calvados Experience
At Calvados Christian Drouin
Calvados Christian Drouin
At the Manor of Apreval
Distillerie Busnel SAS
Distillerie Busnel SAS
Domaine de la Pommeraie
Domaine de la Pommeraie
Calvados Pierre Huet
Calvados Pierre Huet
The Cider Route
The Cider Route is a 40 km tourist itinerary that passes through the most beautiful manor houses, the most beautiful castles and the most beautiful typical villages of the Pays d'Auge. Along this route, you will find more than fifteen producers who will invite you to come and taste their best cider in their cellars. You will also be able to meet other manufacturers of artisanal products such as wool or dairy products.