Comte Louis de Lauriston Ciders

Founded in 1962 to put an end to illicit distilling of Calvados in the Domfront region, the Calvados Comte Louis de Lauriston cellars today possess forgotten treasures dating back to this period of clandestine production: a unique range of vintages covering several decades.

A large apple tree with white blossoms stands in a grassy field with a fence and other trees in the background.

Normandy Hard Cider

A man in a yellow jacket and jeans dumping a bucket of apples into a wooden truck bed filled with harvested apples in a grassy field.

Apples and Pears

The orchards are situated in the neighborhood of the town of Domfront. In the autumn the apples and pears are knocked from the trees and gathered on the ground.

More than 50 varieties of cider apples are used to make Louis de Lauriston Cidre Brut.

  • Bitter apple varieties create structure and give body to the cider

  • Sweet varieties impart their flavor

  • Acidic apples give finesse and freshness.

A man working in a cidery, assembling trays of apples in jute bags into a traditional cider press, with large tanks and equipment in the background.

Pressing

The fruit is crushed in a mechanical grater and the pulp is taken to the press in jute bags. The fruit is pressed in the traditional way, with superimposed layers of bags separated by open racks.

Fermentation

The apple juice from the press is transferred to wooden casks where it ferments slowly during the cold winter months. The sugar in the juice is transformed into alcohol and the cider begins to sparkle.

Two men standing on a grassy field, smiling, with trees in the background.
Lauriston Info Sheet
Lauriston Info Sheet

Cidre Brut

Dry Normandy Apple Cider

Crafted from more than 50 varieties of cider apples. The bitter apple varieties create structure and give body to the cider, while the sweet varieties impart their flavor, and the more acidic apples give finesse and freshness.

The apples are crushed before being pressed to extract the juice, which is fermented to around 4% ABV. Strict temperature control, along with several rackings, helps maintain a slow and aromatic fermentation. The cider is bottled under pressure.

Light, fruity, and refreshing, it pairs well with pâté, fish, white meat or with apple desserts.

Lauriston Cocktails

A bottle of Bastille 1789 Blended Whisky, a bottle of Comte Louis de Lauriston Calvados Fine, an apple, and a cocktail glass with a yellow drink garnished with a dried lemon slice on a wooden surface against a dark background.
A bottle of Comte Louis de Lauriston Calvados, a bottle of Artez Arvani vanilla liqueur, a glass of apple cocktail garnished with a slice of apple, and a whole apple, set outdoors with trees and a blue sky in the background.
Comte Louis de Lauriston Calvados bottle next to a vibrant Calva Cranberry cocktail in a highball glass, garnished with sliced apple, on a wood surface and cork coaster.
More Calvados Cocktails →
More Calvados Cocktails →

Press

  • Calvados cocktail in a martini glass, garnished with an apple slice, between Comte Louis de Lauriston Calvados and Arvanz Vanilla Liqueur bottles, with a red apple outside.

    Say hello to your new favorite fall sipper—the Vanilla Calva-Tini

    It’s the perfect blend of spice and sweetness featuring Comte Louis de Lauriston Calvados Fine (or Claque-Pepin Calvados Fine), Arvani Vanilla Liqueur, and sparkling apple cider. This cozy cocktail puts an autumnal twist on the classic Apple Martini. Santé!

    Chilled Magazine
  • Close-up on a Calvados Lauriston 100% Poire bottle with dark and grass green labels and gold print on a black background.

    Shaking and Stirring: Launches

    Lauriston 100% Poire

    Produced in the region of Domfront, under the Calvados Domfrontais Appellation, this Eau de Vie is made from the single distillation in a column still of 100% Perry pears. Aged 5 years in French oak barrels. Light golden color. Very fresh and fruity nose with flavors of pears and white fruits (peach). The mouth is elegant with a vibrant acidity.

    Chilled Magazine
  • Cellar row between stacked wooden barrels of Calvados

    Calvados Comte Louis de Lauriston: Les Parcellaires

    Les Parcellaires is a new unique range highlighting the specificities of each Norman micro terroir through Single Cask bottlings. Three first editions have thus seen the light of day.

    Distilnews (French)