what is "calvados"?

Calvados is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented and distilled apples, pears, or a combination of the two. It is popular in France and is usually 40-50% alcohol by volume. It is usually clear and has a sweet, fruity flavor. Calvados is often served neat or with a mixer, and is also used to make a variety of cocktails. It is also used in cooking, and is often used to add flavor to sauces and marinades. Calvados is traditionally aged in oak barrels, which gives it a smooth, mellow flavor. Calvados is typically classified according to its age, with younger calvados having a more fruity flavor and older calvados having a more mature, oaky flavor. It can range in color from light gold to dark amber, depending on the type of wood used to age it.