Ferrand swaps Reserve for double cask Cognac

Maison Ferrand has replaced its Pierre Ferrand Reserve Cognac with a 19^th century-inspired expression aged in two different types of oak casks.

Pierre Ferrand Reserve Double Cask Cognac joins the line on a permanent basis as Pierre Ferrand Reserve is discontinued.

In a bid to mirror the “golden era” of Cognac, the expression has been aged first in traditional French oak Cognac casks and then in casks that once held Banyuls, a fortified wine produced and aged in the south of France since the 13^th century.

The French oak Cognac has been matured for seven to 10 years in different ageing cellars – some dry and some humid. This liquid is then blended with 20-year-old Cognac and placed in Banyuls casks, which are matured in humid cellars for a further year.

Ferrand claims the flavour of the expression “harkens back to the 1800s” when Cognac was sipped neat and enjoyed in cocktails and “revives one of the vanished traditions of Cognac”.

“I research the past as much as I look to the future when it comes to spirits production,” said Alexandre Gabriel, proprietor of Maison Ferrand and Pierre Ferrand master blender.

“In the past, Cognac had even more character than it does today because master blenders then aged their Cognac in many different types of casks to bring forward the beautiful flavour of the grape Cognac is made from.

“I have always been fascinated by these time-honoured techniques and decided to create this special Reserve Double Cask not only to satisfy my curiosity, but to showcase the incredible range of Cognac flavours.”

Pierre Ferrand Reserve Double Cask Cognac is bottled at 42.3% abv and carries an RRP of US$79.99.

Last month, Maison Ferrand announced its first foray into distillation outside of France with the acquisition of Barbados-based West Indies Rum Distillery for production of its Plantation Rum brand.