Pommeau de Normandie

AOC French apple aperitif (Normandy region, AOC since 1991) made by blending fresh apple must with Calvados apple brandy in roughly a 2:1 ratio, then barrel-aging 14 months minimum (typically 3-5 years) in oak. Bottled at 16-18% ABV. Sweet, rich bittersweet apple, oak, and brown-spice notes. Member of the broader 'mistelle' category (fortified fruit must, like Pineau des Charentes for grapes). Used as an aperitif neat or in apple-driven cocktails. Producers include Christian Drouin, Père Magloir...