World Calvados Week Is the Time to Avallen

Calvados is one of France's three brandies - the others being Cognac and Armagnac. It's been produced since the 1500s and gained serious popularity in pre-prohibition cocktails like William Schmidt's Delicious Sour and the Corpse Reviver #1 as it appeared in the Savoy Cocktail Book. As enjoyable in cocktails, as it is neat, Calvados is a spectacular spirit for mixing. 

It's entirely natural, and the subtle flavours lend a satisfying twist in place of other base spirits like gin, whisky, rum, and even tequila. “Calvados and tonic is probably one of the most underrated yet most delicious highballs!”, said Andrew Ho, Co-owner and Founder of bar Hope & Sesame

Across the UK, bartenders and independent retailers will be pouring Calvados cocktails, creating menu cards and serving up this apple brandy at every turn.  And true to Avallen's ethical brand, £1 of every bottle sold during the World Calvados Week campaign will go to the not-for-profit organisation, One Tree Planted.

Avallen Calvados is ahead of the game in terms of natural taste AND its many stellar sustainability credentials. It is available in a game-changing paper bottle, one that's bold, bright, and more durable than glass. Weighing in at a superlight 82 grams, the paper bottle eradicates the use of single-use glass and significantly reduces the brand's carbon footprint – with each bottle generating six times less CO2 than its glass counterpart. Avallen is one of the first spirits in the world to make this bold move.

More about Avallen's values, which is sustainable by design.  Not only do they make every business decision with the planet in mind, they are a Certified B Corp– a recognition granted only to the most conscious of businesses. And beyond its carbon credentials, Avallen has a pretty exceptional aptitude for biodiversity. The apple orchards are rich habitats that support a wide array of life, and 2% of their revenue are donated to charities that champion the protection of bees. Quite an achievement in an industry that doesn't always consider its impact upon the natural world.

The liquid itself is made from nothing but apples, water, and time. It's entirely natural, bursting with the flavour of apples, and comes in with a kick thanks to its 40% ABV. Upon lifting a glass to your mouth you'll notice an aroma akin to apple pie filling accompanied by vanilla and a subtle spice. Take your first sip and sweet, juicy apple will come to the fore, and that subtle spice will unveil itself as cinnamon and delicate pepper. Other notes include toffee apple, vanilla custard, and delicate honeysuckle.

And what's more – there's an abundance of ways to enjoy it.

If you're a cocktail lover – Sazerac, Spritz, even perhaps an Espresso Martini – you can give your tipple of choice a climate-positive kick by swapping your base spirit for the applicious Avallen. If you prefer a neater beverage (a drink you can sink your teeth into), pour it over ice and sip away, or lengthen with tonic for a refreshingly fruity drink. If you're entertaining, try one of our cocktail recipes below whilst you regale your guests with the tale of this top planet-saving tipple…

Avallen Hedgerow

40ml Avallen

10ml Apricot Brandy

15ml fresh lemon juice

5ml sugar syrup

Top 50/50 ginger beer & dry cider

In a highball glass filled with ice, add all ingredients except ginger beer and cider. Gently stir the drink. Top with half ginger beer and half cider. Garnish with candied ginger and slice of lime.

Avallen Espresso

40ml Avallen

15ml coffee liqueur

30ml fresh espresso

10ml sugar syrup

2 dashes salt solution

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Double strain into a coupette and garnish with coffee beans.

www.avallenspirits.com

That's Food and Drink recommend getting some in for Christmas.