It is with great sadness that I must report that on August 15th, 2018 famed Cidre and Calvados maker Jerome Dupont passed away suddenly at the age of 48. Along with his sister, Anne-Pamy, Jerome took over the family business from their father Etienne Dupont in 2002. When he wasn't working the 35ha of orchards or tending his cellars, Jerome served as the President of the Norman Cider Association.
In recent years, Jerome had been traveling the world spreading the gospel of French Cider and Calvados, apple brandy aged in oak. Much like wine; Cognac and, to a lesser extent, Armagnac have received the majority of France's focus on beverage development and exports while Cidre and Calvados were largely left to fend for themselves. Jerome, along with a handful of other devoted producers, were putting in the leg work telling their story and introducing the world to the wonderful beverage that is Calvados along with how to use it in cocktails.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jerome on a 2016 trip to Normandie and Bretagne. He was a gracious host as he showed me around the estate and poured several samples of his outstanding Cidres and Calvadoses. It was an honor to meet him. I'm thankful that I took the time to visit Dupont on my trip through Normandie.
In the meantime, his sister, Anne-Pamy, will continue running the estate in his absence. Jerome was a wonderful spokesman for a great family Cidre estate and for his regional industry. So seek out a bottle of the Dupont Bouche Brut Cidre or Dupont Calvados and raise a glass in honor of Jerome Dupont! He was a true icon of the industry and will truly be missed.
