EXCEPTIONAL CALVADOS - Mr. Vivian Simon (barreled on January 5, 1933)
The Calvados of Mr. Vivian Simon offered by Clos des Spiritueux is a rare treasure of the history of Norman spirits, the ultimate witness of an era when patience and authenticity were valued above all else. Carefully distilled and barreled on January 5, 1933, in the heart of the crucial interwar period, this extraordinary Calvados is the heir of a generation now practically extinct. It is an extremely old bottling, beautifully preserved in a mouth-blown bottle, illustrating the excellent craftsmanship of the early 20th century. The bottle stands out by its antique glass, its irregular shapes bearing witness to manual work, the patina of time, and the remarkable presence of its original label, still visible despite the test of decades, thus reinforcing the authenticity of this heritage piece. This exceptional Calvados is much more than a spirit: it is a true collector’s item full of emotion, history, and prestige.
This Calvados was distilled and then aged from 1933, following ancestral methods, long before the appearance of modern specifications and current rigorous controls. Every handwritten or printed detail on the bottle, notably the barreling date, is precious and rare, attesting to its incredible longevity. No additional confirmed information is available on the precise aging duration, the exact nature of the barrel, or the apple varieties used; any speculation would be risky, as this bottle belongs to exception and mystery. This bottle should be considered a true cellar relic, from an immemorial batch, preserved for many decades before bottling. Rarity, age, preservation, and authenticity of the labeling combine to make this piece a true work of art for connoisseurs and discerning collectors, unprecedented on the market of great collectible spirits.
On tasting, when considered, this exceptional eau-de-vie reveals an intensely evolved aromatic palette, the result of many years of aging: notes of candied apples, dried fruits, beeswax, old wood, hints of soft spices, and the elegance of noble rancio, characteristics of the greatest old Calvados. On the palate, the preserved liveliness gives way to a silky, refined texture, of exceptional length and deep complexity, more conducive to contemplation than demonstration. This rare Calvados is clearly aimed at demanding collectors, passionate about historic eaux-de-vie or lovers of extraordinary tastings, to be savored during a suspended moment. A true bridge between exclusive tasting and living heritage, this bottle available at Clos des Spiritueux is a unique testimony to the history of Calvados, ideal for enriching a great cellar or celebrating an unforgettable moment.