Double and Single Distillation
The appellation of AOC calvados authorizes double distillation for all calvados but it is required for the AOC calvados Pays d’Auge.
- Double distillation is carried out in a traditional alembic pot still, called either "l'alambic à repasse" or "charentais".
- Single continuous distillation in a column still.
The usual arguments for and against the two processes are that the former process gives the spirit complexity and renders it suitable for longer aging whilst the latter process gives the calvados a fresh and clean apple flavour but with less complexity. In fact there is a growing belief that a well operated column still can produce as complex and "age-able" Calvados as Double Distillation.
Read more about this topic: Calvados (brandy)
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