Boulard Grand Solage VSOP

Copper penny-bright in the glass, this blend of 4- to 10-year-old brandies offers a lively scent that mixes baked apple, fresh pear, cedar and vanilla. A burst of baking spice leads the palate, smoothed by concentrated caramel, which slides into a lightly sweet finish laced with orange peel and baked apple.

Blended from between four- and ten-year-old brandies, Boulard VSOP is an introductory Calvados. Orangey-copper colored - dark for the age - with a sweet nose of rich vanilla, and apple compote. On the palate, there's a dessert tray of toffee, honey cake, milk chocolate, with a finish full of cinnamon. (AOC Pays d'Auge, 40% abv.)