This lovely, hand-crafted, jug was made in Normandy, France circa 1850. It is a stocky jug of baluster form with a slightly textured exterior and a scalloped collar where the neck attaches to the body.
It is decorated with vine scrolls which are typical of Saintonge jugs. A great piece to accessorize your bar or wine cellar.
Origin
From apples to Calvados: Normandy’s history is steeped in the apple. The region’s mild climate has allowed this fruit to flourish, and cider – a type of alcoholic drink made from apple juice – is the result of local tradition.
The first written references to the distillation of cider in Normandy date back to 1553. They were written in the memoirs of a gentleman from Cotentin named Gilles de Gouberville, who described the process in his book Memoires.
During this time, Normandy was home to a number of brewers who specialised in the production of cider eau-de-vie and it wasn’t long before this product became more widely available. However, the influx of beer, which was introduced by Basque sailors in the 6th century, was a real threat to the cider industry.
So, cider producers adapted their processes to produce a stronger alcohol. They also began to add other fruits, such as pears and berries, to their blends. The cider eau-de-vie produced in this way was eventually renamed “Calvados”.
A bottle of this brandy can be found at any French supermarket and is often sold for around 20 euros. It has a very distinctive taste and is one of the oldest products in the world.
On the other hand, if you don’t want to pay for this strong liquor, there are many less expensive alternatives on the market. Another popular alternative is pommeau, which is a mixture of apple brandy and apple juice that’s sweeter than its more robust cousin.
In fact, this type of distilled cider is the only kind of alcoholic beverage that can be legally consumed in France, and it’s a must-try on a trip to this part of the country. You’ll find a number of small distilleries along the picturesque Route du Cidre, each of which invites you into their cellars and offers tastings.
But if you’re a serious cider connoisseur, head straight to the heart of the craft: the quaint village of Cambremer and the family-run distillery that has been making calvados for five generations. Get a tour, a sample and then buy a bottle to take home.
Design
A tad more than a toe in the water, this polished brass jug was made in France and fashioned into a modern marvel circa 1850. The design is a hoot to say the least and this gizmo will be a welcome addition to your kitchen cupboard for years to come. A molded lid with a matching sleeve encapsulates the contents of this top notch example. It’s hard to find a pity pot that is as well made as this one. It comes with a free display stand for the aforementioned sleeve. The aforementioned sleeve has a few bumps and dents to be sure but is otherwise in excellent condition.
Size
Designed to serve cider and beer, this Normandy glass cider jug was crafted circa 1860. Crafted in a baluster shape, the clear-coloured jug has an applied neck and handle engraved with foliage. It is accompanied by a large pouring rim that has been folded over to help strengthen the jug from chipping. The jug also has a scalloped collar that attaches to the body. It is a good choice for decorating your bar or wine cellar.
Condition
French cookware brass milk jug made in Normandy during the 1850’s. This normandyjug has been used and shows signs of wear and age related crazing. It has a rim that is slightly bumpy as shown in the pictures and there are some markings on the bottom of the can – please see the picture. It is in good condition for its age and is a rare large antique guieensey milk cream jug / can. It is a very collectable item.