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Exploring the Rich Flavors of Calvados Pays d’Auge Millésime 2005

Calvados, the renowned apple brandy from Normandy, France, has a rich history and a dedicated following among spirit enthusiasts. Among the many exceptional Calvados available, the Calvados Pays d’Auge Millésime 2005 from Christian Drouin stands out as a true gem.

The Distillation Process: The Calvados Pays d’Auge Millésime 2005 is crafted using traditional methods that have been perfected over generations. The apples are carefully selected and harvested, then fermented to create a rich cider. This cider is then double-distilled in copper pot stills, a process that ensures the highest quality and purity of the spirit.

Aging to Perfection: After distillation, the Calvados is aged in oak barrels. This aging process is crucial in developing the complex flavors and aromas that make Calvados Pays d’Auge Millésime 2005 so special. The oak barrels impart notes of vanilla, spice, and a subtle hint of rancio, adding depth and character to the final product.

Tasting Notes:

  • Color: The Calvados Pays d’Auge Millésime 2005 boasts a beautiful amber color with copper reflections, a testament to its aging process.
  • Nose: The aroma is a delightful blend of baked apples and caramel, with hints of white fruits such as pear and peach.
  • Palate: On the palate, you’ll experience a harmonious blend of pastry aromas, caramelized apples, crème brûlée, and egg cream. The dry spices and nutmeg add a touch of complexity, making each sip a true delight.
  • Finish: The finish is long and satisfying, with a subtle hint of rancio that lingers on the palate.

Serving Suggestions: Calvados Pays d’Auge Millésime 2005 is best enjoyed neat, allowing you to fully appreciate its rich and complex flavors. It also pairs beautifully with desserts such as apple tart or crème brûlée, as well as a selection of fine cheeses.

Conclusion: Calvados Pays d’Auge Millésime 2005 from Christian Drouin is a testament to the art of Calvados production. Its rich flavors, complex aromas, and meticulous aging process make it a standout choice for any spirit enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or new to the world of Calvados, this vintage is sure to impress.

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Christian Drouin 2005 Vintage - Calvados Pays d'Auge
Christian Drouin 2005 Vintage – Calvados Pays d’Auge

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New Additions to the Signatory Vintage 100 Proof Series

Three new high-strength single malts from the Signatory Vintage 100 Proof Edition series have just arrived and are now available in-store. This series is characterized by its 57.1% ABV (100 proof), non-chill-filtration, natural color, and a focus on quality cask selection from Speyside distilleries.

New Arrivals:

  • Benrinnes 2012 (13yo) – First-fill oloroso sherry butts. Deeply sherried profile with notes of fig, chocolate, and cracked pepper.
  • Mannochmore 2014 (11yo) – A mix of PX quarter casks and bourbon hogsheads. Combines dried fruit and citrus spice with orchard freshness.
  • Miltonduff 2011 (12yo) – Fully matured in first-fill oloroso butts. Rich in raisin, espresso, dark chocolate, and warming oak.
Benrinnes 2012 - 57,1° SV100 Proof
Benrinnes 2012 – 57,1° SV100 Proof
Miltonduff 2011 57,1° - SV 100 proof
Miltonduff 2011 57,1° – SV 100 proof
Mannochmore 2014 57,1° - SV 100 Proof
Mannochmore 2014 57,1° – SV 100 Proof

Previously Available Editions:

  • Craigellachie 2014 (10yo) – Oloroso sherry matured. A characterful bottling with robust malt and stewed fruit notes.
  • Glenlossie 2012 (12yo) – Oloroso-influenced, known for its clean Speyside distillate balanced with sweet spice and nutty depth.

These bottlings continue Signatory’s emphasis on transparency, batch individuality, and a consistent 100?Proof strength. They are ideal for those seeking cask-strength whiskies that deliver both clarity and depth without artificial enhancements.

All editions are now in stock and available while quantities last.

Glenlossie-12yo-2012-–-100-Proof-Edition-SVUCF
Glenlossie-12yo-2012-–-100-Proof-Edition-SVUCF
Craigellachie-2014-10y-571°-100-Proof-SVUCF
Craigellachie-2014-10y-571°-100-Proof-SVUCF
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Smoke, Spice & Sunshine: Discover the Bold Side of Summer Drinking

Ilegal Mezcal, born in 2006 from a clandestine tradition of smuggling quality mezcal from Oaxaca to Antigua, offers a bold and approachable spirit made from 100% Espadín agave by fourth-generation mezcaleros. Crafted with care, it’s distilled twice in Oaxaca and bottled in recycled glass—no additives, just agave, sun, and time.

The Reposado – Aged to Taste

Ilegal Reposado is rested for about six months in medium-char American oak (new & used), giving it a mellow, velvety profile. Noted tasting notes include caramelized pear, bitter orange, clove, butterscotch, and vanilla on the nose and palate. Reviewed as smooth and richly sweet, it offers a gentle smokiness ideal for drinkers transitioning from whisky or tequila. Master of Malt highlights additional nuances like cassia bark, cedar, pipe tobacco, cocoa, and orange rind.

Sipping Pure:

For a relaxed, contemplative experience, enjoy Ilegal Reposado neat or with a single ice cube. Its balanced profile—soft smoke, sweet fruit, warm spice—makes it ideal for evening sipping under a summer sky.

Mezcal-Cocktails-Ilegal-Carajillo
Mezcal-Cocktails-Ilegal-Carajillo

Summer Cocktails:

Ilegal Reposado shines in refreshing summer mixes, adding depth without overpowering:

  • Mezcal Margarita or Cadillac Margarita: Sub tequila with Reposado for layered sweetness and spice (orange juice, lime, Grand Marnier).
  • Mezcal Mule: Ginger spice meets light smoke and citrus—ideal for hot afternoons .
  • Agua Fresca / Fresca spritzes: Combine with cucumber, lime, simple syrup, or even strawberry agua fresca for a light, floral hit
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Ilegal mezcal reposado
Ilegal mezcal reposado
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Discover the Power of 100 Proof: Craigellachie 2014 & Glenlossie 2012

Scotland - Speyside

Two powerful single malts from renowned distilleries — both bottled at 57.1% ABV (100 Proof) — bring bold flavor and carefully balanced intensity. Not cask strength, but intentionally bottled at high proof for a richer, fuller experience.

Craigellachie 2014 – 10 Years – 100 Proof Edition #39

This edition of Craigellachie matured in a flavorful combination of first-fill Pedro Ximénez sherry butts, second-fill Oloroso sherry casks, and re-charred hogsheads. Expect a big, chewy dram full of rich leather, toasted oak, stewed fruits, roasted coffee, and dark chocolate. The finish delivers warming spices, butterscotch, and raspberry coulis — a meaty, deeply layered whisky that exemplifies Craigellachie’s famously muscular style.

Craigellachie-2014-10y-571°-100-Proof-SVUCF
Craigellachie-2014-10y-571°-100-Proof-SVUCF

Glenlossie 2012 – 12 Years – 100 Proof Edition #35

This elegant Speysider aged in both Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks, striking a perfect balance between sweetness and spice. The nose opens with fresh pear, citrus zest, floral honey, and almonds. The palate delivers toffee, candied orange, dried fruit, and soft nutty notes. Its long, warm finish is marked by subtle sherry richness and lingering vanilla sweetness. A great showcase of Glenlossie’s clean, fruity house style — but with extra weight at 100 proof.

Glenlossie-12yo-2012-–-100-Proof-Edition-SVUCF
Glenlossie-12yo-2012-–-100-Proof-Edition-SVUCF

Both whiskies are ideal for drinkers seeking intensity and structure, without the unpredictability of high proof strength. These editions offer power with precision — limited, collectible, and deeply enjoyable.

Now available in limited quantities. Don’t miss your chance to explore these high-proof Speyside treasures.

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Discover Kilkerran 8yo Cask Strength Bourbon Cask

Kilkerran distillery

Straight from Campbeltown’s Glengyle Distillery, this eight-year?old single malt is matured exclusively in top?quality ex?bourbon casks and bottled at a powerful 55.6?% ABV. Expect a lively, zesty introduction with key lime pie, apple jelly, honey, and vanilla on the nose, leading into a creamy palate of banoffee pie, vanilla custard and panna cotta. The long, sea?salt finish, with coastal brine and gorse notes, captures the soul of Campbeltown itself.

Why it stands out:

  • Cask strength authenticity: non?chill filtered, natural colour, and bottled at full strength—giving you full control over dilution.
  • Rich tasting layers: citrus, creamy desserts, coastal minerality—a dram that evolves beautifully drop by drop.
  • Exclusivity: annual limited release—don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Campbeltown heritage.

Serve it your way
Enjoy neat to appreciate its raw intensity, or add a few drops of water to reveal softer fruit and spice notes. It also elevates whisky cocktails like the Whisky Sour or pairs beautifully with citrus desserts, creamy cheeses or seafood.

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Kilkerran 8y CS Bourbon 55,6°
Kilkerran 8y CS Bourbon 55,6°