Clear Creek Eau de Vie de Pomme

Clear Creek Eau de Vie de Pomme

Since the reign of Charlemagne in the 8th century, distilleries in the Lower Normandy region of France have been distilling calvados a type of apple brandy. Calvados is made by harvesting and pressing fresh apples into a pulpy juice. The juice is then fermented into a dry cider, which is distilled before being matured in oak casks for a minimum of two years. Calvados has a long and rich history in France. When an outbreak of phylloxera devastated the vineyards of France, calvados experienced a golden age. In addition, during World War I, calvados was requisitioned by the French Army both as a drink for French soldiers to enjoy and, because of its alcohol content, for use in armaments. Inspired by the rich tradition of calvados, Steven McCarthy master distiller at Clear Creek Distillery decided to produce an American variant of calvados. Clear Creek Eau de Vie de Pomme is made from fresh, Golden Delicious apples that McCarthy and his team harvest in autumn from orchards situated on the northeast slope of Oregon's Mount Hood. The exposure to bountiful sunlight, coupled with the mineral-rich soils of Mount Hood, result in apples that are uniquely flavorful and aromatic. After the apples have been harvested, McCarthy presses the entire apple and ferments the resulting juice before distilling it through a Holstein copper-pot still. The eau de vie is then aged for eight years four times longer than traditional calvados in used cognac barrels made of French Limousin oak. French Limousin oak, one of the most expensive types of wood in the world, is highly prized because it is loosely grained and porous, allowing it to impart more flavor and tannins to the liquid that it comes in contact with. After maturation, McCarthy brings each batch of the eau de vie to proof, before filling and labeling each bottle by hand. Clear Creek Eau de Vie de Pomme has a bold aroma of apples, which fades gently to hints of of oak, honey, vanilla and a touch of citrus. The apple flavor, while ever-present, subtly underlies the flavor of the oak. The finish, which is long and harmonious, has a touch of chocolate and apple. Clear Creek Eau De Vie de Pomme has been called "an American distilling masterpiece"by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. and earned five stars from F. Paul Pacult's Spirit Journal. In addition, The New York Times Magazine calls McCarthy's eau de vies "the best fruit brandies . . . ever made in the U.S."