What is Pommeau? Discover this unique French spirit from the regions of Normandy and Brittany.
How Pommeau is Made
Pommeau is a blend of Calvados and fresh cider aged in barrels. To start, fresh apple cider is fermented and distilled, then aged to be granted the nomenclature of Calvados, an apple brandy with Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status. Calvados can only be produced in Normandy, much like how Champagne must be distilled in a particular region from certain grapes.
Calvados becomes the alcoholic base and preservative for fresh cider to be aged in barrels. This golden liquid (a mixture of Calvados and Apple Cider) then mellows in a barrel and is touched with wood flavors. The alcohol generally stays around 16-18%. This saves the spirit from spoilage, but doesn’t overwhelm the sweet cider or blot out the fresh juice aromas.
What Does Pommeau Taste Like?
The result is similar to an aperitif, cordial, or after-dinner wine. Sip it neat, chilled, or even room temperature.
Pommeau: The New England Way
Experience the distinctive New England touch that sets our Pommeau apart. Using our spent bourbon barrel as the vessel, we combine locally grown and pressed apple cider from New Hampshire with the distillate of its ferment. This harmonious blend is then aged in 53-gallon oak barrels in our dedicated barrel house for over a year.
The result is a vinous-like spirit, boasting the aroma of an orchard’s harvest. On the nose, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and warmth, complemented by the crisp tartness of the fruit. The taste is a combination of brandy notes, with a wine-like mouthfeel and nutty undertones from the barrel and its previous bourbon occupant. Vanilla and caramel flavors emerge on the mid-palate, while the brandy’s warmth alludes to the comforting taste of pie.
How to Enjoy Pommeau
With its lower proof, our Pommeau is a versatile and sessionable spirit that can be enjoyed neat or used to enhance classic cocktail recipes. Try it in a welterweight Jack Rose with lemon and grenadine, or a low-key Old Fashioned. Experience the New England magic of Pommeau!
Tamworth Garden Pommeau is available now at Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile.