Ferrand Original Formula 1840 Cognac

Ferrand Original Formula 1840 Cognac shines when sipped neat or with a splash of water to open up its complex flavors, though it also excels in spirit-forward cocktails that let its character shine through. This versatile cognac is a year-round pleasure, pairing beautifully with rich, savory dishes like roasted meats or aged cheeses, while also offering a warming embrace on chilly evenings.

Nose: Fresh apricot and ripe peach dominate, backed by subtle vanilla and oak. Hints of orange zest and honey add complexity. A faint nuttiness emerges with time.

Palate: Rich and full-bodied. Dried fruit flavors take center stage - think raisins and figs. Caramel and toasted almond notes provide depth. Spicy undertones of cinnamon and white pepper add warmth. A touch of citrus brightens the mix.

Finish: Long and satisfying. Oak tannins become more pronounced, balancing lingering fruit sweetness. Gentle warmth spreads across the palate. Subtle floral notes and a whisper of dark chocolate appear at the very end.

Ferrand Original Formula 1840 Cognac is crafted using traditional 19th-century methods, including distillation in small copper pot stills and aging in Limousin oak barrels. What sets this cognac apart is its unique "double maturation" process, where the spirit spends time in both humid and dry cellars, resulting in a complex flavor profile that captures the essence of classic cognacs from the 1800s.

• Ferrand Original Formula 1840 Cognac is actually based on a bottle from the 1840s that was salvaged from a shipwreck off the coast of Sweden. This rare find allowed the distillers to recreate a style of cognac that had been lost to time.
• Unlike most modern cognacs, which are typically bottled at 40% ABV, this 1840 formula is bottled at a higher 45% ABV. This higher proof was common in the 19th century and allows the cognac to shine in classic cocktails like the Sazerac and Mint Julep.
• The creation of this cognac involved a collaboration with cocktail historian David Wondrich, who helped ensure its authenticity and mixability. It's one of the few cognacs specifically designed to be used in cocktails, bridging the gap between the 19th-century mixing traditions and modern bartending.