While Calvados is often synonymous with apples, it can also be made with pears.

Yes, there is a pear Calvados made in Normandy. We brought a bottle back from our last trip to France. There is a Poire Prisonnière, which is a bottle of pear Calvados containing a whole pear. The bottle is put on the tree when the pear blossom begins to bud. The pear grows inside the bottle.

Nearly all Calvados from the Pays d'Auge is made with apples alone. In the southern area of Calvados, the Domfrontais, the soil produces wonderful pears. Appellation law insists that at least 30% of the cider to be distilled in the Domfrontais is made from pears.

When you drink pear Calvados you will discover a wonderful, gold brandy. Think of a warm, late afternoon sun, on a summer day. There are delightful pear aromas with a hint of vanilla.

The very best Calvados are labeled Napoleon, Extra Old (XO), Extra, or Hors D'Age. After that comes VSOP, Vieille Reserve, or VO. Next come Vieux or Reserve Calvados, then those with three stars or three apples on their labels.

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Brandy Warmer Set
Enjoy the aroma and flavor of warm brandy or Cognac. Cradle the snifter over the gentle flame and unlock the character of barrel aging. Includes warmer and 9oz snifter.