Michel Huard "Hors d'Age" Calvados

Michel Huard "Hors d'Age" CalvadosThe Huard family has lived on the Le Pertyer property in the Suisse Normand for seven generations; Jean Francois Guillouet took over in 2012 when his grandfather Michel passed away. Nearly 1,800 trees on standard rootstock (hautes tiges) grace the 15 hectare property, which is considered the most admired in the AOC Calvados appellation. The soil is loamy, composed of an ideal combination of silt and clay, and about 30 varieties of apples are grown on

The Huard family has lived on the Le Pertyer property in the Suisse-Normand for seven generations; Jean-Francois Guillouet took over in 2012 when his grandfather Michel passed away. Nearly 1,800 trees on standard rootstock (hautes-tiges) grace the 15-hectare property, which is considered the most admired in the AOC Calvados appellation. The soil is loamy, composed of an ideal combination of silt and clay, and about 30 varieties of apples are grown on the property, predominantly from the sweet and bittersweet categories. Jean-Francois ferments and ages his cider for about 8–12 months before it is single distilled in a traveling, wood-fired column still. The spirits then go into large, elongated barrels (stained black by time) or well-seasoned 400-liter barrels ideal for developing complex flavor.

About this Calvados:

Calvados produced by seventh-generation producer Jean-Francois Guillouet in Caligny, Suisse-Normand, under the AOC appellation

Distilled from 100% apple

A blend of vintages, minimum 6-years-old with the oldest component a minimum 30-years-old (vintages will vary lot to lot)

Cider is naturally fermented sur lie in fiberglass, stainless steel, and enamel-lined tanks for 8–12 months

Distilled on a traveling, wood-fired copper column still

Aged in used French oak of varying sizes and proofed slowly over time with low-mineral water from one of the property’s wells

Aromas of deep green apple, vanilla, honey, and a touch of almond lead to a round, oily mouthfeel and a long finish; a wonderful representation of the third Calvados appellation!

40% ABV

Huard Hôrs d’Age is a joyous sipper, striking an elegant balance between verdant apple notes and the oxidative depth derived from time in barrel.