An ode to Normandy’s orchard soul, Le Gin de Christian Drouin Calvados Cask Finish is where gin meets heritage. Crafted by one of France’s most revered Calvados producers, this exceptional expression bridges two worlds, the crisp, aromatic elegance of gin and the rich, amber warmth of aged apple brandy. Rested in ex-Calvados casks, it absorbs the essence of oak, fruit, and time, resulting in a spirit that’s both graceful and profound, a true taste of Norman terroir reborn.

Brand: Christian Drouin | Category: Barrel-Aged Gin | ABV: 42% | Origin: Normandy, France | Vol: 70cl

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Enticing aromas of baked apple, vanilla, and cinnamon mingle with juniper, citrus zest, and a whisper of toasted oak.
Palate: Velvety and complex, orchard fruit and spice entwine with honey, nutmeg, and a subtle floral freshness.
Finish: Long, warming, and delicately woody, with lingering notes of caramelized apple and soft peppercorn.

Production Details:
This limited expression begins with Le Gin de Christian Drouin Original, distilled from an apple cider base and eight individually distilled botanicals, juniper, ginger, vanilla, cardamom, rose, lemon, black pepper, and apple. It is then rested in Calvados casks that once held Drouin’s finest brandy, allowing the gin to take on soft tannins, amber hues, and the signature sweetness of Normandy’s aged apples. The result is a spirit that beautifully blurs the lines between gin and fine brandy.

Perfect For:
Adventurous spirits enthusiasts and whisky lovers looking to explore the complexity of aged gin. Exceptional neat, on the rocks, or in a barrel-aged Negroni where its apple and spice notes shine.

Expert Notes:
This Calvados Cask Finish is often described by sommeliers as “a gin with memory”, one that carries the depth of oak-aged spirits yet retains the bright, aromatic soul of gin. It’s refined, contemplative, and undeniably unique.

Customer Reviews:
“Like sipping a conversation between gin and Calvados, elegant and fascinating.”
“Warm, complex, and beautifully balanced, unlike any gin I’ve tried.”
“Aged perfection with orchard charm.”

Interesting Fact:
Christian Drouin was among the first distillers in France to experiment with aging gin in Calvados casks, creating a completely new subcategory that bridges two traditions, gin distillation and apple brandy maturation. This innovation quickly became a benchmark for aged gin worldwide.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve neat in a copa glass or over a single large ice cube. For a refined cocktail, try a Golden French Negroni, equal parts Le Gin Calvados Cask, dry vermouth, and apple aperitif, stirred and garnished with a twist of orange peel.

Distillery Background:
Founded in 1960, Christian Drouin has become a symbol of French excellence in distillation. Known for their award-winning Calvados, the Drouin family brings the same mastery to gin, transforming orchard fruit into spirits of extraordinary elegance. The Calvados Cask Finish stands as a love letter to Normandy’s terroir and a testament to the artistry of aging.