Legend has it that an orphan who had only one first name - Charles - joined a privateer ship in Saint Malo, at the young age of 14, under the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV.
He was in charge of feeding the crew and one day brought aboard a drink that was excellently received. It was simply a distillate made from fermented apples and pears that was supposed to help fight scurvy. He decided to store this drink (similar to today's Calvados, but probably lower in alcohol, at about 30%vol,) in oak barrels. Legend goes on to say that a few years later, after being exempted from military service due to an injury to his leg, he settled with his fiancée in the town of Granville. In recognition of his military achievements, the king named him Charles 'de' (of) Granville. Proud of this new title, he devoted many years to his passion and to refining the production of what would give him his reputation: Calvados Charles de Granville.
