Origin: Dupont Calvados is a type of French apple brandy made in the Calvados region of Normandy, France. It is named after the Dupont family, who have been producing Calvados for over 300 years.
Ingredients: Dupont Calvados is made from a variety of apples that are grown specifically for the production of Calvados. These apples are often a blend of sweet, bitter, and tart varieties to create a balanced flavor profile.
Texture: Dupont Calvados has a smooth, silky texture with a slightly oily mouthfeel. It is typically golden or amber in color.
Proof: Dupont Calvados is typically bottled at a proof of 80-90 (40-45% alcohol by volume).
Usage: Dupont Calvados is typically served as a digestif after a meal. It can also be used in cooking, particularly in dishes that call for apples or apple cider. In addition, Dupont Calvados is used in cocktails, such as the Calvados Sour or the French Connection.
Production: The production of Dupont Calvados begins with the harvesting of apples, which are then crushed and fermented to create apple cider. The cider is then distilled to create a clear, high-proof spirit, which is aged in oak barrels for several years to develop its flavor and aroma.
Manufacturer: Dupont Calvados is produced by Domaine Dupont, a family-owned distillery located in the heart of the Calvados region. The Dupont family has been producing Calvados for over 300 years, and their brand is known for its high quality and attention to detail.
Dupont Calvados is a versatile spirit that can be paired with a wide range of foods. Some classic food pairings include:
- Cheese: Dupont Calvados pairs well with a variety of cheeses, particularly those with a strong flavor, such as Camembert, Roquefort, or aged cheddar.
- Pork: Pork dishes, such as roast pork, pork chops, or pork tenderloin, are a classic pairing with Dupont Calvados. The sweetness of the apples in the brandy complements the rich, savory flavors of the pork.
- Apples: Since Dupont Calvados is made from apples, it pairs well with dishes that feature apples as an ingredient, such as apple pie or baked apples.
- Chocolate: The rich, complex flavor of Dupont Calvados makes it a good pairing for dark chocolate, particularly those with a high percentage of cocoa.
- Seafood: Dupont Calvados can also be paired with seafood dishes, such as scallops or prawns, particularly those that are prepared with a creamy sauce.
- Game: The earthy, robust flavors of game meats, such as venison or wild boar, are complemented by the rich, fruity flavors of Dupont Calvados.
Overall, Dupont Calvados pairs well with dishes that have rich, complex flavors, particularly those with sweet or fruity notes.
Dupont Calvados is typically served as a digestif, after a meal. It is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled, and is traditionally served in a tulip-shaped glass that allows the aroma of the brandy to be appreciated.
To serve Dupont Calvados, pour a small amount (about 1-2 ounces) into the glass, and swirl it gently to release the aroma. Take a sip and savor the complex flavors, which may include notes of apple, spice, and oak. Dupont Calvados can also be paired with a small amount of cheese or dark chocolate to enhance the flavor pairing.
In addition to serving Dupont Calvados neat, it can also be used in cocktails. Classic cocktails that feature Dupont Calvados include the Calvados Sour, which is made with Dupont Calvados, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white, and the French Connection, which is made with Dupont Calvados and Amaretto liqueur. When using Dupont Calvados in cocktails, be sure to choose high-quality mixers and garnishes to complement the rich, complex flavors of the brandy.
Cocktails that Feature Dupont Calvados
Calvados Sour
- 2 oz Dupont Calvados
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake vigorously without ice. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a twist of lemon.
French Connection
- 2 oz Dupont Calvados
- 1 oz Amaretto liqueur
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a slice of apple.
Normandy 75
- 1 oz Dupont Calvados
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- 2 oz champagne
Combine Dupont Calvados, lemon juice, and honey syrup in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled champagne flute and top with champagne. Garnish with a twist of lemon.
The Applejack
- 2 oz Dupont Calvados
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/4 oz maple syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a twist of orange.
These cocktails showcase the rich, complex flavors of Dupont Calvados, and can be enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink, or as a complement to a dessert course.