Claque-Pépin Ciders
Artisanal Farmhouse Cider from the Heart of Normandy
The name Claque-Pépin comes from a type of apple variety, which when ripe, rattles when shaken. The name translates to the seeds (pepin) which rattle (claque). The property is located in the Normandie region, nestled between the Domfrontais and the Pays d’Auge, in the 17th century farm next to the ancient chateau of Serans, formerly the family estate of the Louvet family.
Claque-Pépin officially began 13 years ago. However, owner Benoît Louvet has been immersed in the world of distilling and ageing for many years. He began his “apprenticeship” fairly young with his grandfather Vital. After working for a few other Calvados producers as cellar master, he decided to start his own artisanal production and perpetuate the art of making Calvados, cider, and traditional apéritifs, while respecting the Normand tradition and the environment.
Traditional Unfiltered Apple and Pear Ciders
The cultivation of the cider apple and perry pears stems from the equal respect for tradition and the ecosystem. The cider trees, with their shapely, tall branches and deep roots reflect these ideals. Claque-Pépin’s fruit comes largely from high-stem orchards.
Cider is primarily a matter of terroir, the soil which gives its particular character to the apples and the product.
A good cider is also a fruit; the apples bring the richness of their aroma and flavors to the cider.
A great cider is an expression of skill: a multi-generational knowledge passed down by those who first cultivated the land and who bequeathed their knowledge of apples and cider-making to today’s generation.
Cider Production
The ripe fruit is harvested between September and November. Some orchards are hand-harvested to guarantee the quality and preservation of the fruit. The apples and pears are then washed and pressed. The resulting juice is then allowed to ferment naturally and gently, creating a clear, high-quality cider.
How to Store Corked Cider
Stores bottles upright in a cool, dark place to help maintain carbonation. It's also important not to shake the bottles, as this can increase the pressure in the bottle (and cause it to explode!).
If you don't plan on drinking all the cider in a bottle, seal it with a cork or capsule to prevent oxidation.
Claque-Pépin Dry Hard Cider
Traditional Normand Bouché Brut Cider
Claque-Pépin Dry Cider is an unfiltered cider made from carefully selected and hand-sorted traditional cider apples. After being crushed and pressed, the apples are fermented in vats for several months before being bottled. It is at this point that the secondary fermentation in the bottle begins, thanks to the addition of a small amount of sugar and yeast.
Bouché cider is a term used to describe a high-quality cider produced in a traditional, artisanal manner. Unlike industrial cider, bouché cider is produced through a secondary fermentation in the bottle, giving it subtle aromas and a natural effervescence.
The tart flavors and the dry finish of the bittersweet fruit give the cider an aromatic kick. Harmonious, soft and structured, with a long finish. It is the perfect cider to serve with crepes, both savory and sweet. It also pairs well with hearty pork or poultry seasonal dishes.
4.5% ABV
Naturally gluten free.
Reviews
94 points
Great Value, Excellent, Highly Recommended
A stunning gold color in the glass with bright fruit and subtle barnyard aromas, this cider displays brilliant rustic charm and refined mouthfeel. Flavors of red apple skin, ripe pear, horse blanket, and honey all balance beautifully behind bold carbonation before a dry finish." (Ultimate Wine Challenge, 2017)
Claque-Pépin USDA Organic Pear Cider
Claque-Pépin Organic Pear Cider is a unfiltered USDA-certified organic pear cider, made from fruit from Claque-Pépin’s FRBIO-10 certified orchards. This pear cider is the result of an environmentally friendly approach at every stage of its production.
This Normandy Organic Pear Cider, made in the champenoise method, is light and refreshing with notes of succulent pear and a tart green apple finish. It goes well with all types of food, as an aperitif or with dessert.
Naturally gluten free.
4% ABV
View more specialties from Claque-Pépin.
Press
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![Photo montage featuring five image of different cocktails presented in vertical strips, including a whisky sour, espresso martini, kir royale, blanche Armagnac margarita, and a French mojito.]()
End of Summer Cocktails
At Heavenly Spirits, we believe every great spirit deserves to shine in the glass, not just on the shelf. That’s why we’re excited to launch a new cocktail series, where we’ll be sharing inspired recipes that showcase the craftsmanship, flavor, and versatility of our portfolio. Whether you’re a home bartender looking to shake things up, or a connoisseur curious to explore fresh ways to enjoy your favorite spirits, these cocktails are designed to bring a little creativity—and a lot of enjoyment—into every pour. Raise a glass, and let’s get mixing.
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![A rocks glass with a yellow-orange cocktail garnished with mint leaves, placed next to a bottle of Claque-Pépin Calvados Fine on a black metal outdoor table, with purple and pink flowering plants in the background.]()
2 Must Mix Classic Cocktails made with Calvados
In the world of brandies, an underdog is slowly stealing the show. Its name is Calvados.
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![Picture of a brown cocktail in a coupe glass with apple slice garnish]()
10 Apple-Based Spirits to Try this Season
Claque-Pepin Vieille Reserve Organic Calvados; 97 points.
Hitting all the right notes, this shows fresh apple and vanilla aromas that lead into rich butterscotch and honey palate. The feather-light finish shows salted caramel, roasted nuts, and a flurry of cinnamon and clove.
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![Pale yellow cocktail in a fancy crystal glass with orange peel garnish on a bamboo cocktail pick]()
2 Must Try French Cocktails For Bastille Day By Bartender Rory Caviness
Nectar d’Or with Rétha Oceanic Gin, Lillet Blanc, Claque-Pépin Organic Vieille Réserve Calvados, and Luxardo Maraschino
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![Three men stand in a vineyard in France, two dark-haired sons on either side of white-haired father]()
Small French Distilleries Lead the Way in Organic Spirits
Organically produced spirits such as cognac, whiskey, and calvados were practically unheard of a few years ago. But that is all changing with small, French-owned craft distilleries playing a big role in this healthy transition.
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5 New Brandies to Try Now
From two Armagnacs to an Armenian release.
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![Brown and white cows in an apple orchard]()
Calvados: The Apple Of A Brandy Drinker’s Eye
There are no wine appellations in Normandy. Grapes, revered elsewhere in France, are an afterthought in this region that stretches out into the English Channel on France’s northwest coast, about a two hour drive from Paris. The climate is just too unpredictable — hot and sunny one moment, rainy and windy the next. Forget about grapes in Normandy. Here, the apple is king.
