461724 Sun Nov 18 06:44:29 -0800 2007 4 36 Spirits 0 3135514 I drink and love Busnel VSOP which is one of very few brands available in Michigan. I've always been curious about Fermier Calvados. Is it generally double distilled or do I need to look for one labeled Pays d'Auge? What brands do people like? Does anyone know what's aqvailable in Chicago? dave Sun Nov 18 06:44:29 -0800 2007 119739 davebough 1 3136437 My favorite by far is from Dupont -- http://www.calvados-dupont.com/ Imported by Bobby Kacher, it should be available in Chicago. Sun Nov 18 13:48:25 -0800 2007 3135514 28122 zin1953 2 3154760 For more info, check out http://www.idac-aoc.fr/Trois-Appellations,3,0,62.html There are three appellations d'origine for Calvados. The largest one is the simple Calvados, which is generally single-distilled in a column still. Calvados Pays d'Auge is a smaller appellation, yielding higher quality brandies, which are double-distilled in pot stills. The third, Calvados Domfrontais, includes at least 30 percent pears in the brandy. Mon Nov 26 07:06:37 -0800 2007 3136437 28122 zin1953 3 3155083 Fermier can be any of the three appellations. My understanding is that to be labeled "Fermier" the apples must be grown, the cider made, and the Calvados distilled on the same farm. Since these are smaller operations, I wonder if the use the more primitive double-distilled technique in the two appellations that don't require it because the equipment is cheaper then for a column still. dave Mon Nov 26 08:51:46 -0800 2007 3154760 119739 davebough 1 3154545 A few varieties of Calvados are available at Binny's in Chicago. If you need help choosing between a few brands I'd recommend that you visit the location on Grand street and ask for Steve, or head over to Clark street and ask for Jelal (Juh-laal). He has fifty years under his belt and is an executive wine consultant. He's the treasure in that chain. Mon Nov 26 02:52:51 -0800 2007 3135514 138259 gabby29