Domaine du Coquerel: An exploration of Normandy's Finest Spirits
Welcome to the Domaine du Coquerel, where tradition meets innovation in the heart of Normandy. Whether you're a casual drinker looking to explore new and exciting spirits, or if you’re a seasoned Gin or Calvados drinker, with Domaine du Coquerel you're definitely in for a treat.
In this blog post, we'll briefly explore the rich history of Domaine du Coquerel, detail the delightful products they offer, and share some perfect serve ideas to elevate your drinking experience.
So, sit back, relax, and join us on what is sure to be a journey full of flavour!
The History of Domaine du Coquerel
Established in 1937, Domaine du Coquerel is nestled in the picturesque countryside of Normandy, France. This region is renowned for its lush apple orchards, which provide the perfect foundation for crafting exquisite Calvados—a traditional apple brandy that has become the hallmark of the Coquerel brand.
The founders of Domaine du Coquerel were driven by a passion for quality and a commitment to preserve the age-old traditions of Calvados production. Over the decades, the distillery has remained a family-owned business, and passed down their knowledge and expertise through generations.
Craftsmanship and Innovation
What sets Domaine du Coquerel apart is the dedication to craftsmanship and innovation which they instil into every bottle they produce. Whilst they honour traditional methods of production, they also embrace modern techniques enhancing the quality and flavour of their spirits. The resulting range of products are therefore both timeless and contemporary, and appeal to a broad range of palates.
Exploring the Products from Domaine du Coquerel
At Gin Fling, we’re lucky to have visited them ourselves last summer – having a tour of their production facilities – and understanding what makes them special. It was this visit which ensured that we wanted to offer their products to our customers in the Netherlands. So we proudly offer a carefully selected range of Domaine du Coquerel's finest products.
Under each of the products we’ve highlighted one of our favourite perfect serves for eacg. These are ideas which will hopefully elevate your experience with these exceptional drinks.
So, let's take a closer look at each of these and discover what makes them so special.
Calvados
Coquerel Calvados VS
This edition is the perfect introduction to the world of Calvados. It’s a young, vibrant calvados which is aged for a minimum of two years in French oak barrels. This ageing imparts a subtle vanilla flavour and a perfectly smooth finish. It's an excellent choice for those new to Calvados or anyone looking for a versatile, easy-drinking apple brandy.
Perfect Serve: Apple Blossom
This refreshing cocktail highlights the crisp, fruity notes of Coquerel Calvados VS, making it perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients:
50ml Coquerel Calvados VS
25ml elderflower liqueur
15ml fresh lemon juice
10ml honey syrup
Apple slice and mint sprig for garnish
Method:
In a shaker, combine the Calvados, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top up with soda water.
Garnish with an apple slice and a sprig of mint.
Coquerel Calvados VSOP
For those seeking a more refined experience, their VSOP Calvados is an excellent choice. This is aged for at least four years, and boasts a rich, complex flavour profile with notes of baked apples, caramel, and the perfect hint of spice. It's a fantastic sipping spirit, and is ideal for enjoying neat or in classic cocktails.
Perfect Serve: Normandy Old Fashioned
This sophisticated twist on the classic Old Fashioned allows the rich, complex flavours of Coquerel Calvados VSOP to shine through.
Ingredients:
10ml Simple Syrup
2 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Method:
In a mixing glass, combine Calvados, simple syrup, and bitters. Add ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Express the oil from an orange peel over the drink and use it as a garnish.
Coquerel Calvados Signature Blend XO
Their XO Signature blend truly represents the pinnacle of the Coquerel Calvados range. This is aged for a minimum of ten years, creating an really exquisite Calvados. It offers a deep, sophisticated flavour with layers of dried fruit, toasted almonds, and a long, elegant finish. It's a true connoisseur's choice, perfect for special occasions and those memorable moments.
Perfect Serve: Elegant Sipper
This elegant sipper is designed to showcase the depth and sophistication of Coquerel Calvados Signature Blend XO, making it the perfect choice for a special evening.
Ingredients:
50ml Coquerel Calvados Signature Blend XO
15ml Amaro
10ml Maple Syrup
2 dashes Angostura Orange Bitters
Orange twist for garnish
Method:
In a mixing glass, combine Calvados, Amaro, maple syrup, and orange bitters. Add ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with an orange twist.
Gins
Normindia Gin
Expanding beyond Calvados, Domaine du Coquerel ventured into the world of gin. Their first release was their Normindia Gin (the name being a blend of Normandy, as a nod to the terroir of the product, and India, which is recognition of some of the botanicals used in its creation). Crafted with a unique blend of botanicals, including apple, cinnamon, and ginger, this gin offers a smooth and aromatic profile. It's a really versatile gin, easily drunk that can be enjoyed in a classic G&T or as the base for those more adventurous cocktails.
Perfect Serve: Classic G&T
This classic Gin & Tonic highlights the unique botanical blend of Normindia Gin, making it a refreshing and aromatic choice for any occasion.
Ingredients:
50ml Normindia Gin
150ml Three Cents Tonic Water
Ice Cubes
Slice of Apple and a Cinnamon stick for garnish
Method:
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Pour in the Normindia Gin. Top up with tonic water.
Garnish with a slice of apple and a cinnamon stick.
Normindia Organic Gin
For those who prefer organic products, Normindia Organic Gin is the perfect choice. It’s made with 100% certified organic ingredients, this gin maintains the same delightful flavour profile as the original Normindia Gin but with a commitment to sustainability. It's perfect for eco-conscious drinkers who don't want to compromise on taste.
Perfect Serve: Organic Citrus Spritz
This spritz is bright and zesty, perfect for enjoying on a warm day with friends.
Ingredients:
25ml Fresh Lemon Juice
15ml Honey Syrup
Slice of Lemon and a Sprig of mint for garnish
Method:
In a shaker, combine gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a large wine glass filled with ice. Top up with soda water.
Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of mint.
Normindia Barrel Aged Gin
Their Barrel Aged Gin takes the classic Normindia Gin and ages it in Calvados barrels. This adds a whole new dimension to the flavours. The ageing process imparts notes of vanilla, oak, and a hint of apple, creating a complex and rich gin that's perfect for sipping or using in sophisticated cocktails.
Perfect Serve: Barrel Aged Negroni
This sophisticated take on the classic Negroni is enriched by the barrel-aged notes of the gin, making it a truly indulgent experience.
Ingredients:
30ml Normindia Barrel Aged Gin
30ml Sweet Vermouth
30ml Campari
Orange slice for garnish
Method:
In a mixing glass, combine gin, vermouth, and Campari. Add ice and stir until well chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
Garnish with an orange slice.
Normindia Pampelmousse Gin
Their Pampelmousse Gin is a delightful twist on the classic Normindia Gin, infused with natural grapefruit flavours (Pampelmousse is French for Grapefruit). This is a bright, citrusy, and refreshing gin, making it an absolutely fantastic choice for summer cocktails and spritzes.
Perfect Serve: Grapefruit Gin Fizz
This refreshing and citrusy cocktail is perfect for those who love a bit of zing in their drinks.
Ingredients:
50ml Normindia Pampelmousse Gin
25ml Fresh Grapefruit Juice
15ml Simple Syrup
Grapefruit twist for garnish
Method:
In a shaker, combine gin, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top up with soda water.
Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
Liqueurs
Coquerel Liqueur de Cassis au Calvados
Their Liqueur de Cassis au Calvados is a unique blend of blackcurrant liqueur and Calvados – and is something typically drunk by the locals in Normandy. The rich, fruity flavours of the blackcurrants perfectly complement the smooth, apple notes of the Calvados, creating a liqueur that's both delicious and versatile.
Perfect Serve: Blackcurrant Royale
This elegant cocktail is perfect for celebrations, combining the fruity richness of blackcurrant with the sophistication of sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
25ml Coquerel Liqueur de Cassis au Calvados
125ml Champagne or Sparkling Wine
Blackcurrant for garnish
Method:
Pour the liqueur into a Champagne flute. Top up with Champagne or sparkling wine.
Garnish with a fresh blackcurrant.
Coquerel Liqueur de Pomme au Calvados
For a true taste of Normandy, try their Liqueur de Pomme au Calvados. This liqueur combines the sweetness of apple liqueur with the depth of Calvados, resulting in a drink that's perfect for sipping neat or adding a burst of apple flavour to cocktails.
Perfect Serve: Normandy Apple Martini
This apple martini is a delicious twist on the classic, perfect for an evening of sophisticated sipping.
Ingredients:
50ml Coquerel Liqueur de Pomme au Calvados
25ml Unflavoured Vodka
10ml Fresh Lemon Juice
Apple slice for garnish
Method:
In a shaker, combine liqueur, vodka, and lemon juice. Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with an apple slice.
The Allure of Calvados and gin
So, what makes Calvados and gin from Domaine du Coquerel something special – and captivated us when we visited them?? Let's explore a few reasons why we think these spirits deserve a place in your drinks cabinet.
A Unique Terroir
Calvados is something which is deeply rooted in the terroir of Normandy. The region's unique climate and soil conditions create the perfect environment for growing apples (and pears) with exceptional flavour and aroma.
Domaine du Coquerel takes full advantage of this, using only the finest apples from local orchards which they have fostered long relationships with to craft their spirits. Similarly, the botanicals used in Normindia Gin are carefully selected to reflect the rich heritage of the region (either used in cooking locally, or grown in the region where possible).
A Rich Heritage
With a history dating back to the 16th century, Calvados is one of the world's oldest spirits. The traditional methods of production, including distillation in copper pot stills and ageing in oak barrels, have been passed down through generations, preserving the rich heritage and authenticity of this iconic drink. Domaine du Coquerel honours these traditions while also embracing innovation, resulting in spirits that are both classic and contemporary – certainly not something for just grandpa to drink at Christmas!
Versatility in Cocktails
While Calvados and gin are delightful on their own, they are also incredibly versatile in cocktails. Their complex flavour profiles can add depth and character to a wide range of drinks, from refreshing spritzes to robust, gin or calvados-forward cocktails. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a casual home bartender trying out new creations, these drinks offer endless possibilities for creativity and enjoyment.
Conclusion
Domaine du Coquerel is a perfect example of what makes Calvados and Gin such beloved and timeless spirits. With their commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation, they have created a range of products which are perfect for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. Whether you're enjoying the youthful vibrancy of their VS Calvados, the refined complexity of Coquerel Calvados VSOP, the sophisticated elegance of their XO Signature Blend, or the unique botanical blends of Normindia Gin, you're sure to find a new favourite in their collection.
So, why not elevate your drinking experience with a bottle of Coquerel Calvados or Normindia Gin? Explore the rich flavours, savour the history, and discover the perfect serve that suits your taste.
Santé to enjoying the finest spirits from Domaine du Coquerel!
