Boulard XO Auguste Calvados 750ML

Boulard XO Auguste Calvados 750ML is a premium Pays d'Auge Calvados bottled at 40% ABV, blending aged apple eaux-de-vie from Normandy, France. Awarded 94 points by Wine Enthusiast, this expression draws from some of the oldest barrels in the Boulard family reserve, producing a richly layered brandy that stands among the finest in the category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Pays d'Auge, Normandy, France  |  XO (Extra Old)  |  Distillery: Calvados Boulard

Production & Heritage

Calvados Boulard, based in the prestigious Pays d'Auge district of Normandy, selects from over 120 apple varieties cultivated across its orchards — more than double the number required by the governing body regulating Calvados production. The fruit undergoes double distillation in traditional copper pot stills, a hallmark of the Pays d'Auge appellation and a method that yields a more refined, concentrated spirit compared to single-distilled Calvados. The Auguste XO expression is a blend that incorporates eaux-de-vie drawn from the Boulard family's private reserve barrels, aged in oak to develop exceptional depth and complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: A bright burst of ripe apple and baked apple pie leads the nose, progressing into deeper layers of vanilla, honeysuckle, and honey-roasted almonds. With time in the glass, pecans, toffee, and gentle oak emerge.

Taste: The palate opens with concentrated baked apple and caramelized toffee apple, building through a toasty mid-palate of nut brittle and cocoa. Burnt orange zest oils, tonka bean, and cinnamon spice add dimension, while the body remains elegant and soft with candied fruit and almond sweetness at its peak.

Finish: Long and lingering with a spiced fade of cinnamon, maraschino cherry, and pain d'épices. Discreet hints of oak anchor the close without overpowering the apple core, leaving a balanced and refined impression.

How to Drink Boulard XO Auguste

This Calvados is best enjoyed neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, allowing 10–15 minutes for the complex aromatics to fully develop. A few drops of water can help coax out the subtler vanilla and honeysuckle notes.

Jack Rose: The concentrated baked apple character amplifies the classic Calvados-and-grenadine cocktail with richer depth. Corpse Reviver No. 1: The toffee and spice backbone stands up to cognac and sweet vermouth without losing identity. Deauville: Named for the Normandy coastal town, this equal-parts Calvados-and-brandy cocktail benefits from Auguste's layered fruit and oak complexity.

Best For

• Gifting a spirits collector who appreciates French brandy beyond Cognac
• After-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or cheese courses
• Introducing an experienced whisky drinker to high-end Calvados
• Celebrating milestones where a 94-point spirit sets the tone

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Boulard XO Auguste taste like? Boulard XO Auguste delivers concentrated baked apple and toffee up front, layered with cocoa, nut brittle, cinnamon spice, and espresso. The finish is long and warming with maraschino cherry and pain d'épices lingering beneath subtle oak.

How does Boulard XO Auguste compare to the standard Boulard XO? Both are Pays d'Auge Calvados from the same distillery, but the Auguste expression incorporates eaux-de-vie from the Boulard family's private reserve barrels, resulting in greater complexity. This distinction is reflected in their respective Wine Enthusiast scores — 94 points for the Auguste versus 92 points for the standard Boulard XO.

Is Boulard XO Auguste good for sipping neat? Absolutely — this is a contemplative sipper that rewards patience in the glass. Its layered aromatics and long, spiced finish are best appreciated neat or with a few drops of water.

Where is Boulard XO Auguste made? Boulard XO Auguste is produced at the Calvados Boulard distillery in the Pays d'Auge district of Normandy, France. Pays d'Auge is considered the most prestigious sub-region for Calvados production, requiring double distillation in copper pot stills.

What foods pair well with Boulard XO Auguste? Tarte Tatin or warm apple desserts echo the spirit's baked apple core. Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and espresso undertones. Blue cheese such as Roquefort contrasts beautifully with the toffee sweetness. Crème brûlée mirrors the caramelized, vanilla-rich palate. Roasted duck with fruit-based glaze bridges savory and fruity elements.

What sizes does Boulard XO Auguste come in? Boulard XO Auguste is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Boulard XO Auguste worth the price? Boulard XO Auguste positions as a premium Calvados expression, sitting above the distillery's standard XO bottling. With a 94-point Wine Enthusiast score, family reserve barrels in the blend, and over 120 apple varieties in its production, it delivers strong value within the high-end Calvados tier.

Why Boulard XO Auguste?

The Auguste bottling represents the top tier of Boulard's range, distinguished by the inclusion of eaux-de-vie from the family's private reserve — barrels not typically available in their standard releases. The use of over 120 apple varieties, more than double what Calvados regulations require, gives the spirit a complexity of fruit character that few competitors can match. A 94-point Wine Enthusiast rating places it among the highest-scoring Calvados expressions commercially available. For anyone serious about exploring Normandy's signature spirit at its most refined, this is where the conversation starts.