As already explained here some time ago, life is currently presenting me with certain challenges that are very much to the detriment of my usual blog activity. In this respect, I currently can’t (for a not yet quite foreseeable time) continue to offer the usual publication frequency. Nevertheless, today I have once again found some time to devote myself to a very interesting bottling: The Ferrand Cognac 10 Générations Double Matured in Port Cask. (provided test product)*
About the actual 10 Générations Cognac I have already written an article in the past, to which I would like to refer at this point, because it contains background and manufacturing information about this cognac.
Today’s bottle is a “Limited Edition” (although I have not discovered more specific information on the extent of the limitation). So here again we have to do with a cognac made from 100% Ugni Blanc grapes and double distilled on pot stills. The finish of the total ten-year maturation of the Ferrand Cognac 10 Générations Port Cask took place in – the name gives it away – in former port wine barrels (the exact post-maturation time is not revealed, however). Since I love port aging and finishing, this promises to be a very nice affair for me. Of course, those who have had rather bad experiences with this type of finish should keep that in mind when reading my tasting notes. The only downside: this cognac was artificially coloured, so you shouldnt give too much on that bright red.
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: The aroma turns out exceedingly fruity, almost spring-like light with notes of mirabelle plums, apricots, ripe oranges, but also some cherry (more like Amarena cherries). Behind this, light herbal notes, but by no means dominant, combined with a certain oak impact (also very subtle).
Taste: On the palate, the port wine barrel then clearly appears. The 10 Générations Cognac with its notes of apricots, vanilla, honey and some nut is complemented here by a somewhat “richer” and “darker” note: plums, cherries and associations of tannins and a more pronounced sweetness come through – I really like this extremely well.
Finish: medium long with red fruits, spices and some cinnamon.
For a cocktail, I opted for a Carlton Banks, a 2016 drink developed by Seth Brammer in Dallas that I learned about via diffordsguide.com. Simon Difford lists Cherry Heering for this drink, but in the original Seth Brammer used Luxardo Sangue Morlacco, which I also clearly prefer, so here I’m getting closer to the original again.
Recipe “Carlton Banks” (adapted from Seth Brammer, 2016):
3 cl Ferrand Cognac 10 Générations Double Matured in Port Cask
3 cl Luxardo Sangue Morlacco
2 Dashes Orange Bitters
2 Dashes Boker’s Bitters
4,5 cl Champagne, Cremant or similar
Preparation: Stir all ingredients except the sparkling wine in a mixing glass on ice until cold and strain into a pre-chilled glass. Add the sparkling wine.
Glass: Coupette
Garnish: orange or lemon zest
Buying sources: At specialized retailers or online
*The fact that this product has been sent to me free of charge for editorial purposes does not – in any way – imply any influence on the content of this article or my rating. On the contrary, it is always an indispensable condition for me to be able to review without any external influence.
