Pierre Ferrand Réserve Double Cask 1er Cru de Cognac Grande Champagne 750ml

Pierre Ferrand Réserve Double Cask is the Grande Champagne house's celebrated revival of a forgotten 19th century cognac technique, finishing its premier cru base spirit in former Banyuls casks for a richer, deeper, and more rancio forward expression than traditional cognac alone. The cognac begins life as eaux de vie sourced exclusively from Grande Champagne, the Premier Cru of cognac and the most prestigious of the six cognac growing regions, prized for chalky soils that produce eaux de vie of exceptional finesse and aging potential. It is double distilled in classic onion headed copper alembic stills, then aged 7 to 10 years in small French Limousin oak barrels. A portion of 20 year old Grande Champagne cognac is blended in, after which the marriage is transferred to rare older casks that once held Banyuls, the French fortified dessert wine sometimes called France's answer to Port. The Banyuls finishing develops a pronounced Rancio Charentais character (cocoa, leather, tobacco, walnuts) that mirrors the deeply aged style of the 1800s. Bottled at 42.3% ABV, well above the standard 40% cognac strength, for added richness and weight. Double Gold winner at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The replacement for the original Pierre Ferrand Réserve expression and the brand's flagship Reserve grade cognac.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Dark amber with golden flashes, deep and inviting.

Nose: Captivating bouquet of rich dried and stewed fruits (raisins, figs, apricots), incense, cinnamon, vanilla, walnuts, and toasted wood, with elegant tertiary Rancio Charentais notes of cocoa, leather, and tobacco emerging.

Palate: Fruit forward core of stewed apples, dried figs, cherries, berries, and apricot meets caramel, cocoa, espresso, and warm baking spice. The Banyuls finish brings dessert wine sweetness and significant rancio character throughout, with velvety texture from the 42.3% ABV.

Finish: Long, warm, and nutty with lingering sweet tart fruit, gentle barrel spices, hints of orange peel, almond, coconut, and vintage cognac echoes that fade gracefully.

FAQ

What makes Pierre Ferrand Réserve Double Cask unique? The Banyuls cask finishing. Banyuls is a French fortified dessert wine from the Pyrenees, sometimes called France's answer to Port. Maison Ferrand finishes the cognac in former Banyuls casks for approximately 12 months, reviving a 19th century cognac tradition of using non traditional casks that has largely disappeared from modern cognac production. The result is significant Rancio Charentais character (cocoa, leather, tobacco, walnut) layered over the classic Grande Champagne profile.

What is Grande Champagne and why does it matter? Grande Champagne is the most prestigious of cognac's six growing regions and is designated Premier Cru de Cognac. Its chalky soils produce eaux de vie of exceptional finesse, floral character, and long aging potential. Many cognac houses use Grande Champagne grapes only in their most expensive bottlings, but Maison Ferrand uses Grande Champagne grapes across the entire Pierre Ferrand lineup. This Réserve Double Cask carries the full Appellation Cognac Grande Champagne Contrôlée designation.

How old is the cognac? The Réserve Double Cask is not formally age stated, but is a blend of 7 to 10 year old Grande Champagne cognac and 20 year old Grande Champagne cognac, with the final Banyuls finishing on top. Reviewers commonly describe a "tasting age" of approximately 20 years, reflecting the influence of the older component and the rancio development.

How should I drink it? Best enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube to appreciate the layered Rancio Charentais complexity and Banyuls cask sweetness. Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate fondant, pecan pie, aged Gouda, or as the contemplative after dinner pour. Also works as the base for elevated cognac cocktails where the rancio character adds genuine depth that VS and VSOP grade cognacs cannot match.

How does this compare to other Pierre Ferrand expressions? Pierre Ferrand's range starts with Ambré, moves through the 1840 Original Formula (cocktail focused), then the Réserve Double Cask (premium sipping), and continues up to Sélection des Anges, Abel, Ancestrale, and the rare vintage Memoires releases (1914, 1970, 1971, 1973). The Réserve Double Cask is the brand's accessible flagship for serious cognac drinkers, combining premium Grande Champagne sourcing with the unique Banyuls finish at a reasonable price.

Where can I buy Pierre Ferrand Réserve Double Cask online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.