Calvados Pacory, 2004 Vintage

Calvados is often thought of as a spirit  distilled only from apples, but down in the rolling farmland of the Calvados Domfrontais, the southernmost region of Calvados, hauntingly beautiful pear trees dot the landscape as well. Pear can still play a supporting role in this region's brandy, but Frederic Pacory gives the unsung fruit a star's turn (using almost 80% pear) and the result is absolutely stunning. 

Simply put: a vibrant, high-proof 20-year-old single-cask from one of the last remaining masters of the pear brandy craft. 

Tasting notes: Butter poached pears, toffee and cream on the nose. Rich and coating on the pallet, filled with butterscotch, pear tart, vanilla funnel cake and just a hint of kumquat, lychee and baking spices leads into a wonderfully long finish. Powerful, but not hot at all despite the high proof.

Barrel location: Homestead Cellar 
Cellar Type: Humid
Alcohol: 60.7%
Bottling Date: September 2023
Appellation: Calvados Domfrontais