Somewhere between cider and calvados sits pommeau – a Normandy tradition where the apple's sweetness is allowed to survive, because the calvados halts fermentation long before the sugar turns into more alcohol. Christian Drouin has been making it for decades, and the result feels closer to a sweet dessert wine than a classic spirit.

Expert description

Christian Drouin Pommeau de Normandie is a French Pommeau made from cider and calvados, bottled at 17%.

Pommeau is made by blending fresh apple must with calvados. The alcohol in the calvados stops the must from fermenting further, so the apple's natural sweetness stays in the bottle instead of turning into extra alcohol. Drouin's version combines roughly three parts apple must to one part calvados, and the blend rests for at least 14 months in oak before bottling. Pommeau is mainly produced in two French regions, Brittany and Normandy, and this bottle comes from Normandy, where the tradition runs deepest.

The drink is classically served as an aperitif, but it also works well alongside desserts or a strong cheese.

Tasting notes

Nose

Fresh apple with a touch of honey, backed by a light nutty note from the cask.

Palate

Sweet and full-bodied, with ripe apple must, caramelised sugar and a tart edge that keeps the sweetness in check.

Finish

Medium length and soft, with apple lingering alongside a gentle warmth from the calvados.

Specifications

Name: Christian Drouin Pommeau de Normandie
Distillery: Christian Drouin
Region/Country: Normandy, France
Type: Pommeau of Cider and Calvados
ABV: 17%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Oak casks
EAN no.: 3297361770018
Serving suggestion: Serve chilled at 8-10°C in a tulip glass, as an aperitif or alongside foie gras, blue cheese or apple desserts.

Flavour profile

Sweet · Fruity · Full-Bodied · Slightly Tart

Did you know?

Pommeau is one of the few French drinks where the law requires the producer to make both the cider and the calvados that go into the blend themselves. Drouin therefore handles the entire process from apple to bottle within its own facilities in the Pays d'Auge.

See our full range of Christian Drouin

Tree of Love Sparkling Pear from Christian Drouin is a fresh, sparkling and organic alcohol-free pear drink created from ripe pears from Normandy's fertile orchards.

Expert's Description

Christian Drouin Tree of Love is an organic, alcohol-free sparkling pear juice from Normandy, France. Christian Drouin is otherwise primarily known as one of Normandy's most respected Calvados producers, and Tree of Love is the house's alcohol-free take on the same fruit expertise - made exclusively from pears from its own orchards, without any added alcohol. The drink has a clean and natural fruit profile, where the aroma opens with juicy pears, light floral hints and an elegant, balanced acidity.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The nose offers juicy pears and a light floral hint.

Palate

The palate is crisp and sparkling with a natural sweetness that never becomes heavy, and a fine acidity that lifts the flavour.

Finish

The finish is clean and refreshing with a lingering pear note.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve chilled at 6-8°C in a Champagne glass. Pairs well as an alcohol-free alternative for brunch, light antipasti or light desserts.

Specifications

Name: Tree of Love Sparkling Organic
Producer/Winery: Christian Drouin
Region/Country: Normandy, France
ABV: 0%
Size: 75 CL
Organic/Biodynamic: Organic
Serving temperature: 6-8°C
Decanting recommended: No
Glass type: Champagne glass

Flavour Profile

Fresh · Fruity · Sparkling · Floral

Did You Know?

Christian Drouin is one of the last independent Calvados producers in Normandy still distilling on its own farm - Tree of Love is the house's way of sharing the same fruit expertise with those seeking an alcohol-free alternative.

See our full range of Christian Drouin

Familie Dupont Jus De Pomme Pétillant 2024 75 cl

Familie Dupont Jus De Pomme Pétillant 2024 is a refreshing, sparkling apple juice from Normandy, made from hand‑picked apples grown in traditional French orchards. It offers natural sweetness, crisp acidity, and fine bubbles that create an elegant and lively taste experience. Perfect as a non‑alcoholic alternative for festive occasions or as a fresh companion to food and relaxation. A quality juice with authentic French character.

Producer: Familie Dupont
Name: Jus De Pomme Pétillant
Country: France
Type: Apple cider (non‑alcoholic)
Alcohol: 0%
Volume: 75 cl
Other: 

From Yorkshire's oldest brewery comes a cider that keeps things simple - real apples, organic farming and a semi-dry finish without unnecessary additions.

Expert description of Samuel Smith's Organic Apple Cider

Samuel Smith's Organic Apple Cider is a semi-dry cider at 5% from the English brewery Samuel Smith in Tadcaster, Yorkshire. The cider has a brilliant straw-yellow colour, light body and a clean apple flavour finishing with a gentle hint of apple blossom.

Samuel Smith is known as Yorkshire's oldest brewery and holds a strong focus on traditional methods and organic ingredients. This cider reflects exactly that philosophy - no unnecessary additions, just real apples processed with respect for the craft.

The cider is versatile and suits many settings, from a relaxed afternoon to accompanying a light lunch or dinner.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Fresh apples and a hint of apple blossom.

Taste

Clean apple flavour, semi-dry and light in body.

Finish

Gentle, floral finish of apple blossom.

Specifications

Name: Organic Cider
Brewery: Samuel Smith
Country/Region: Tadcaster, England
Beer Style: Cider
ABV: 5%
Size: 55 CL
Allergens: Contains apples
Serving Suggestion: Enjoy chilled with creamy soups, salad with vinaigrette dressing or as a classic accompaniment to pork dishes

Flavour Profile

Apple-fresh · Semi-dry · Light · Floral

Did You Know?

Samuel Smith's Old Brewery in Tadcaster is Yorkshire's oldest brewery and has been brewing on the site since 1758, with a lasting focus on traditional methods over modern shortcuts.

See our full range of Specialty Beer

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Westons Stowford Press Apple Cider 44 cl (4.5%)

Westons Stowford Press is a classic English apple cider made from freshly pressed apples from Herefordshire. It delivers a crisp and refreshing taste with a natural balance of sweetness and acidity, creating a clean and fruity cider experience.

A light and easy-drinking cider with gentle bubbles and a refreshing finish – perfect for summer days, relaxed moments, or as a fresh alternative to wine and beer.

Info:
Producer: Westons Cider
Name: Stowford Press Apple Cider
Type: Apple Cider
ABV: 4.5%
50 cl

Stowford Press Dark Berry Cider 44 cl (4%)

Stowford Press Dark Berry is a refreshing fruit cider from the English cider maker Westons. It combines the crisp and balanced taste of classic apple cider with sweet, juicy notes of dark berries such as blackcurrant and blackberry.

The result is a light, fresh and fruity cider with a pleasant sweetness and smooth finish – perfect for summer days, relaxed evenings, or as a festive alternative to wine and beer.

Details:
Producer: Westons Cider
Name: Stowford Press Dark Berry Cider
Type: Fruit Cider
ABV: 4%
44 cl