Ferrand 10 Generations Cognac

Ferrand 10 Generations Cognac shines when sipped neat or with a single ice cube, allowing its complex flavors to unfold on the palate, though it also adds depth to spirit-forward cocktails. This versatile cognac is a year-round pleasure, equally suited for warming up on chilly evenings or as a refreshing digestif on balmy nights, pairing beautifully with rich desserts like crème brûlée or complementing savory dishes featuring duck or pork.

Nose: Ripe apricot and peach aromas lead, followed by hints of vanilla, toasted oak, and light spices. A subtle floral note reminiscent of orange blossom emerges with time.

Palate: Smooth and well-balanced. Initial flavors of juicy stone fruits give way to rich caramel, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toasted almonds and a touch of honey add depth. The oak influence is present but not overpowering.

Finish: Medium to long, with lingering notes of dried fruits, particularly raisins and figs. A gentle warmth carries through, accompanied by a subtle pepperiness and a final whisper of oak tannins.

Ferrand 10 Generations Cognac is crafted using grapes from the prestigious Grande Champagne region, distilled in small copper pot stills, and aged in a combination of new and used oak barrels. What sets this cognac apart is its unique aging process, which involves transferring the spirit to old Sauternes wine casks for the final months of maturation, imparting subtle notes of honey and apricot to the finished product.

• Ferrand 10 Generations Cognac is made using a forgotten 19th-century technique called "progressive aging," where the spirit is moved between different sized barrels during maturation. This method, rediscovered in old family archives, imparts a uniquely complex flavor profile.
• The cognac's name isn't just marketing—it genuinely represents ten generations of the Ferrand family's involvement in cognac production, dating back to 1630. The current master blender, Alexandre Gabriel, isn't a Ferrand by blood but was "adopted" into the family lineage.
• Unlike most cognacs, which are typically made from a single grape variety, Ferrand 10 Generations incorporates small amounts of nine rare, ancient grape varieties once common in the region. These forgotten grapes add subtle nuances that make the final blend truly one-of-a-kind.