Calvados/Pommeau

Brandy made by distilling cider and left to mature in oak casks. Hails from Normandy and Brittany and drunk as a digestive. Used in cooking, particularly in dishes from Normandy. Pommeau is an alcoholic drink made in northern France by mixing unfermented cider and one-year-old Calvados. It is consumed as an apéritif, or as an accompaniment to melon or blue cheese. It is also popular with desserts, including any chocolate or apple-based dishes. Production of Calvados and Pommeau is very controlled.