Christian Drouin

Normandy is known for the 4 Cs: calvados (apple brandy), Camembert, cidre and cream. You can find calvados and cidre producers along the 40 km Route de Cidre to the east of Caen. Look for the signs with the red apple.

https://www.calvados-tourisme.co.uk/en/discover/tourist-trails/the-cider-route.php

https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.larouteducidre.fr/&prev=search

We were there in late May and only a few of the producers were open without appointments. We found Christian Drouin driving south from Trouville on D677. If you reach Pont l'Eveque, you passed it. It technically is outside of the Route de Cidre.

They're open year-round Mon-Sat from 9am-noon, 2pm-6pm.

http://www.calvados-drouin.com/calvadosDROUIN-homeGb.html

Tours and tastings are free. If you arrive during their lunch break, you can walk around the grounds. The buildings are well posted with English explanations. This was the Bread Oven--used to make bread for all those working on the estate, including the day laborers.

The Wash House--once or twice a year, the "big wash" happened. Lasting 4-5 days, all the linens, sheets and dishcloths were washed. 

The Manor House--dating from the 17th century.

The Press House. The apples were stored in the attic then thrown into the grinder when they were ripe. From there, they traveled through the hopper and into the press.

On the tour, we were taken through the cellar to see how the calvados was distilled and stored.

At the end of the tour, you can taste the different calvados that they produce. They have Selection, Reserve, VSOP, XO, 15-year aged and 25-year aged. Calvados was a little strong for me. 

They also produce Pommeau--€15.90. It's a blend of calvados and apple juice. This was slightly effervescent and more to my liking. 

They also produce cidre but we didn't get to taste it.

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