French Spirits
Brandy is the biggest group in our French spirits, with Armagnac, Cognac and Calvados.
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French spirits questions
What are the most popular French spirits?
France is best known for its brandies, especially Cognac, Armagnac and Calvados. Its famous liqueurs include Chartreuse, Bénédictine, Cointreau, Grand Marnier and crème de cassis. Pastis and absinthe are anise spirits, and France also makes eaux de vie, rhum agricole in its Caribbean territories and a growing number of French whiskies and gins.
What is Calvados?
Calvados is an apple brandy from Normandy in northern France, sometimes made with a portion of pears. Cider is distilled and aged at least two years in oak barrels. Calvados Pays d'Auge is double distilled in pot stills and especially prized. It tastes of baked apple, vanilla and spice, and is often sipped after dinner.
What is eau de vie?
Eau de vie, meaning water of life, is a clear, unaged fruit brandy distilled from fermented fruit. Well-known examples include kirsch from cherries, poire Williams from pears, framboise from raspberries and mirabelle from plums. It's usually around 40 to 45% alcohol, served chilled in small glasses after dinner.