Chateau du Breuil distillery

Introduction to Chateau du Breuil

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Chateau du Breuil is a prestigious French distillery nestled in the heart of Normandy’s Calvados region. This magnificent 16th-century chateau combines centuries of tradition with meticulous attention to detail, producing some of the finest Calvados apple brandies in the world. The estate’s picturesque setting, surrounded by apple orchards, perfectly encapsulates the deep connection between the land and the spirits produced here.

With its distinctive copper stills and traditional aging techniques, Chateau du Breuil stands as a testament to French distillation heritage. The distillery’s commitment to quality has earned it recognition as one of the leading producers of premium Calvados.

Why we have a soft spot for Chateau du Breuil

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries that honor their heritage while embracing innovation. Chateau du Breuil captures our attention with its remarkable ability to transform apples into complex, elegant spirits that reflect the terroir of Normandy. Their commitment to sustainable production methods and the preservation of traditional distillation techniques demonstrates a respect for both craft and environment that aligns perfectly with our values.

We’re particularly drawn to their patient aging process, often extending beyond the required minimums to achieve exceptional depth and character in their Calvados expressions.

The History of Chateau du Breuil

Origin and development

Chateau du Breuil’s history as an architectural marvel dates back to the 16th century, though its journey as a Calvados distillery began in the mid-20th century. The chateau itself, with its striking Tudor-style architecture, was transformed into a distillery in 1954 when Philippe Bizouard acquired the property and established it as a center for Calvados production.

Over decades, the distillery has expanded its operations while maintaining the historic integrity of the chateau, combining state-of-the-art distillation equipment with traditional methods. Today, Chateau du Breuil stands as one of the most visited distilleries in Normandy and a globally recognized producer of premium Calvados.

The people behind the spirit

The distillery is currently operated by a team of dedicated artisans led by master distillers who bring generations of knowledge to their craft. Each member of the production team contributes to maintaining the exacting standards that have become synonymous with the Chateau du Breuil name.

Their collective expertise guides every aspect of production—from the selection of apple varieties through distillation and the crucial aging process—ensuring that each bottle reflects both tradition and excellence.

Craftsmanship and Production

From raw materials to finished product

Chateau du Breuil’s production begins with carefully selected apples from the Pays d’Auge region—over 30 varieties are used, ranging from sweet to bitter to acidic. After harvesting, the apples are pressed to extract juice which ferments naturally without added yeast for about six weeks, resulting in a cider of approximately 6% ABV.

The double distillation process occurs in traditional copper pot stills, a method that preserves the delicate apple aromatics while refining the spirit. This technique, passed down through generations, requires expert monitoring to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Maturation and aging

The aging of Calvados at Chateau du Breuil takes place in oak barrels, many of which are made from local Norman or Limousin oak. The spirit undergoes a transformative journey during its years in wood, developing rich amber colors and complex flavor profiles that may include notes of baked apple, vanilla, caramel, and subtle spices.

The distillery’s aging cellars provide the perfect environment for this slow maturation process, with some expressions aging for over 20 years to achieve exceptional depth and character. Master blenders regularly taste and assess each barrel, determining the optimal aging period for each batch.

Selected Products from Chateau du Breuil

Chateau du Breuil Fine Calvados – An introduction to the house style

This expression, aged for a minimum of two years, offers the perfect introduction to the distillery’s style. Fresh apple notes are complemented by subtle oak influence, creating a vibrant yet smooth spirit. The palate presents crisp orchard fruits, light vanilla, and a hint of spice, making it an excellent entry point for those new to Calvados.

Chateau du Breuil 15 Year Old – An experience for connoisseurs

A more complex expression that showcases the transformative effects of extended aging. After 15 years in oak, this Calvados develops profound depth with notes of baked apple, cinnamon, dried fruits, and caramelized sugar. The texture is remarkably silky, with an elegant finish that lingers with subtle notes of oak and baking spices—truly a contemplative sipping experience for those who appreciate nuanced spirits.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Chateau du Breuil welcomes visitors year-round, offering guided tours that provide insight into the complete production process. Guests can explore the apple press house, the impressive double-distillation room with its copper pot stills, and the atmospheric aging cellars where thousands of barrels mature.

The tour concludes with a tasting session featuring several expressions from their range, allowing visitors to appreciate the evolution of flavors across different age statements. The picturesque grounds and historic architecture make this a must-visit destination for spirits enthusiasts traveling through Normandy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chateau du Breuil?

Chateau du Breuil is a renowned Calvados distillery located in Normandy, France, specializing in the production of premium apple brandy. Their approach combines time-honored traditions with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in Calvados expressions that showcase the rich apple heritage of the region while delivering complex and refined flavor profiles.

Where is Chateau du Breuil located?

The distillery is situated in the Pays d’Auge area of Normandy, France, a region officially designated for Calvados production. The chateau itself is located in the commune of Le Breuil-en-Auge, surrounded by apple orchards that provide the essential raw materials for their spirits.

What characterizes Chateau du Breuil Calvados?

Chateau du Breuil Calvados is known for its exceptional balance, purity of apple character, and elegant evolution through various age expressions. The distillery’s commitment to double distillation in copper pot stills, extended aging in quality oak, and expert blending results in spirits with remarkable depth and finesse. Each expression displays the hallmark freshness of Pays d’Auge Calvados while developing additional complexity through careful maturation.

Where can I buy Calvados from Chateau du Breuil?

You can find select bottles from Chateau du Breuil’s range at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their finest expressions—from their approachable younger Calvados to their exquisite aged statements—ensuring you have access to these exceptional Norman spirits.