Capreolus, Cherry Eau de Vie 2023
Caprelous specializes in the production of eau de vie using the best of English orchard fruit. Distilled in the backyard of the founder/owner, Barney Wilczak, the cherries in this eau de vie come from a single orchard in Worcestershire. Each cherry was hand-picked and carefully inspected before being chosen for distillation. Perhaps most importantly, it is the only known example of English cherry eau de vie.
Nose
Cherry compote, marzipan
Palate
Cherry, almond, earthiness
Finish
Cherry, savory notes
Clear in color, as expected, with a touch of viscosity in the glass. The nose is disarmingly rich and deep, opening on cherries in full detail: flesh, skin, pit, and a gentle florality. It moves from ripe fresh fruit to soaked cherries and cherry compote, with a marzipan note alongside a green freshness that takes you straight into the orchard. As with all of Capreolus’ eau de vies, it evolves beautifully in the glass while always staying true to the fruit. The palate is immediately juicy, capturing the sensation of biting into a cherry, before warming spice and a lovely stalk note emerge. Marzipan becomes almond skin, while a savoury earthiness and faint smokiness appear late on. The finish is long, with deep cherry lingering up front as the spice and savory notes continue through the mid-palate.
