Our Story
and History
Organic apples, Calvados style brandy, & our farm distillery
our slice of washington
Farmer’s Distillery and Craft Apple Brandy
Central Washington is world renown for growing the best apples in the world. The High Desert of the Royal Slope, where our apples are grown and sourced, offers the best growing conditions. These apples are shipped and sought after all over the world.
Royal Bluff Orchards has been growing apples since 1982. Our organic orchard grows the best varieties you seek out on your local grocery store shelf. It is these varieties that go into our hand-crafted brandy. In every bottle you will get a blend of the highest quality varieties. These include Honeycrisp, Cosmic Crisp, Pink Ladies, and Granny Smith to name a few.
Because it is the goal of Royal Bluff Orchards to grow the best fresh fruit to stock your store’s produce shelf, he fruit that is sent to the distillery has the same attention and care.
That care and attention is evident in the taste of our barrel aged brandy and premium vodka.
THE HISTORY OF CALVADOS BRANDY
We Craft Farm Calvados Style Brandy
Cash Butte Brandy is made in the calvados style using premium varieties. These varieties are blended to maximize the flavor profile experience. We model our method from the northern French region because like Washington, they are excellent apple growers as well. The Calvados region has been making apple brandy for 100’s of years and are experts in their craft.
WHAT MAKES IT CALVADOS?
- Minimum of 2 years aged
- Variety of apples instead of just one type
- Aged in French oak
Calvados Brandy Historical Details
FIRST KNOWN DISTILLATION
Distilling was used as a way to preserve the apples pressed into juice that were grown in northern France. It was named “Eau de Vie”, the water of life. Fermentation and distillation were used and blended to ensure the sanitation of the liquid.
CALVADOS IS BORN
Normandy’s eau-de-vie was renamed to eau-de-vie du Calvados before gradually becoming known as simply calvados.
The Creation of the industrial distillery
Distilling shifted away from the farm and more towards industry. During this time the phylloxera crisis which was destroying vineyards. The lack of grapes pushed the use of apples and increased interest in the apple distilled product calvados.
THE COCKTAIL MAKER
The prohibition in the United States led to the growth and popularity of the cocktail. Calvados was one of the most popular ingredients for cocktails.
Creation of AOR
The Appellations d’Origine Reglementee (AOR) were established. 10 distilleries were granted AOR status under the calvados name protecting the name from use outside of the region distilled. Producers were obligated to adhere to a strict set of specifications and production methods.
FROM a SCREEN to YOUR DOOR
Discover the unique taste of our Apple Brandy and Apple Vodka, now available for delivery across the United States. Enjoy the convenience of premium spirits delivered right to your door.