Cider and Calvados

Cider is made by extracting the juice from apples, which is then naturally fermented in barrels or large tanks. Calvados is a brandy made by distilling cider, and takes its name from Calvados, Normandy, where it is made. Calvados has an appellation contrôlée, requiring it to be double-distilled and matured in oak barrels. It is popular in Normandy, both as a drink and also for cooking.