Secluded from the world in an old, isolated mill in the Normandy countryside, Cornelius—the Eccentric Alchemist—works in utmost secrecy. In his mysterious Elixir Lab, hidden from prying eyes, he devises and concocts strange recipes, the secrets of which are known only to him.
Using Calvados AOC, fruits, spices, and carefully selected ingredients, Cornelius crafts a collection of drinks that are as surprising as they are delicious: the Moonshine Elixirs.
But these creations are not on public display… To discover this *Sélection Clandestine*, you must step through the door of the secret bar that bears its name. Tucked away within the walls of an old mill in the Perche region—where the lingering aroma of the still hangs in the air—this is where Cornelius unveils his latest creations. Push open the door… and prepare to be surprised!
It is in the old bread oven that Cornelius has set up his mysterious Elixir Lab. Once used to feed the mill’s inhabitants, the oven now houses his most secret experiments. This is where his cauldrons bubble, his concoctions simmer, and—through his trials—new and sometimes surprising recipes are born.
Between bread ovens and mills, vials and the aroma of spices, the laboratory retains the atmosphere of a true alchemist’s workshop. Here, Cornelius tests his blends, fine-tunes his macerations, and transforms Calvados, fruits, spices, and other carefully selected ingredients into elixirs with unexpected character.
Le Grimoire de Cornelius est exposé au Bar de l’Alchimiste Fêlé
But the laboratory is not entirely off-limits to the public…
A small tasting area allows the most curious visitors to discover Cornelius’s creations and sample some of his elixirs when he is present at the workshop. And when the warmer weather arrives, the experience continues outdoors at the foot of the mill wheel, where a small summer bar opens in a unique setting, right next to the waterfall.
Opening Soon
Cornelius looks forward to seeing you very soon.
We are currently putting the finishing touches in place to welcome you in the best possible conditions. Stay tuned for announcements regarding our official opening, and be among the first to come and taste our spirits right by the still. Follow the progress of the work and our latest news on our social media channels.
Elixirs Moonshine Sélection Clandestine
Crafted around the very soul of our terroir, drawing notably on noble Calvados bases, these nectars take inspiration from local legends and ancient grimoires to offer you a truly unique tasting experience.
The Art of Micro-Production: Each elixir in this range is the result of a rigorous research and development process. We work with micro-batches, brewed and blended in 100-liter fermenters. This small-scale format allows us to explore complex aromatic balances by infusing botanicals, juices, and spices with meticulous precision.
Once the recipe is finalized, these elixirs are produced only in very small batches. What is bottled today might never see the light of day again.
What makes our Clandestine Selection unique :
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Strong local roots: Traditional spirits, such as Calvados, elevated by raw ingredients to create specialty drinks that generally have an alcohol content of around 15% ABV.
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A taste for mystery: Deep aromatic profiles designed to surprise the palate, from the initial notes on the nose to the lingering finish.
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Exclusively available: Crafted for the connoisseur, our elixirs bypass traditional distribution channels.
How should our Elixirs be enjoyed? To preserve the rarity of these creations, our *Sélection Clandestine* is available in two strict formats:
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By the bottle (50 cl): Carefully wax-sealed and labeled—perfect for taking a piece of our legends home with you or for gifting an exceptional bottle.
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By the glass (15 cl): Experience it in total immersion at the Alchimiste Fêlé bar, where the atmosphere blends with the tasting.
The pages of our grimoire turn with the rhythm of the seasons and the flow of inspiration. Explore our current selection, choose your elixir, and let yourself be transported by the legendary spirit of the Perche. Quantities are naturally very limited: when the vat runs dry, the mystery evaporates.
Calvad’or
In 1588, the ship *San Salvador* part of the Armada of Philip II of Spain, sank near the coast of Normandy, lending its name to the rock upon which it ran aground. Over time, the *Rocher de Salvador* became the *Rocher de Calvador*, and subsequently, the *Rocher de Calvados*.
Calvados arrangé represents a delightful fusion of traditional Norman terroir and a more exotic technique. It is a beverage that modernizes the sometimes classic image of Calvados, infusing it with both indulgence and originality. Faced with the immense commercial success of *rhums arrangés* (spiced rums), several Norman producers and artisans conceived the idea of applying this very same recipe to their own emblematic spirit: Calvados. The objective was twofold:
- Dusting off the image of Calvados: Often perceived as a potent digestif, the "Trou Normand", reserved for the end of traditional meals.
- Attracting a new audience: Young consumers, who are fonder of smooth, fruity, and sweet spirits.
Calvados arrangé is a spirit-based liqueur, typically ranging between 30% and 35% alcohol by volume. However, we decided to take a different approach in order to create a drink that does not exceed 15%.
We use a young Calvados, aged two years. A Calvados that is too old—heavily influenced by oak and tannins—would overpower the fruit aromas. Young Calvados provides a lively, fresh-apple base that is perfect for a drink as easy to enjoy as wine. There is no limit to creativity, but we offer the following flavors, which perfectly complement the apple's natural profile:
- Apple-Lemon,
- Redcurrant & Raspberry
- Blackberry & Blackcurrant
The contrast between the Norman apple and the fruits is often surprising and highly appreciated.
Flavor Profile and Tasting:
- On the palate: This is a truly indulgent drink. The original apple remains present as an underlying thread, yet it is enveloped by the sweetness and fruit aromas. The alcohol is softened, eliminating the "burning" sensation typical of pure eaux-de-vie.
- How should you drink it? Calvad'or is excellent as an aperitif, served chilled, or even over ice. It also pairs beautifully with desserts.
