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Ferrand Selection Des Anges Cognac

Exceptional 92 /100

see 8 reviews

Cognac age
Sélection des Anges
Growth area
Grande Champagne
Bottle size
700ml
Age (maximum)
30
ABV
40%

Edgardo D.

Reviews written: 1 (see reviews)

Average Score given: 94

Review Overview: Best & Most rated, All Reviewers & Reviews

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Best cognac for under $200

Exceptional 94 /100
Verified purchase

Discovering and fine tuning your palate with respect to Cognacs as you at the same time match the exciting process with memories is indeed a fascinating venture. Here goes mine. Although rather fine tasting experiences, throughout the years none of the "commercial" brands (comparables under $200.00 of Hennessy, Courvoisier, Remy Martin and Martel) "moved" me. They were rather nice but ordinary, not non plus ultra after dinners. Then Delamain was discovered as it etched its delightful contents with an unforgettable family gathering, an evening shared with my spouse, her parents and three siblings. That very high standard of excellence was set then and there, yet some 30 years ago Delamaine was a very difficult purchase in Puerto Rico: no reputable liquor store had it shelved and available in its capital of San Juan. Unfortunately, my mother in law Ruth (born in Louisiana, her grandparents were French) died some nine years ago. I joined my spouse and a group of my in-laws that traveled to her birthplace for a farewell ash ceremony with her family there. My dear father in law and widower, Juan suggested we visit Martin Liquor Store in New Orleans. Each relative went its own way as we zig-zagged the store with anticipation impressed by the vast variety of wines. I approached the store somelier: I wanted to surprise my father in law with a Delamaine. The kind employee said they did not carry it... and instead suggested, voilá!, we tried Pierre Ferrand and offered me to try two members of the Pierre Ferrand family: Amber, and Selection des Anges. To my surprise he offered a complimentary tasting, an experience I called my father in law to have. Both are above average cognacs, with Selection des Anges setting THE standard of excellence -- in my view -- at this price (under $200). It is a cognac with the gift of an admirable balance between a great woody bouque, great body sensations and a distinct finish that does not offend. Instead, Selection allows for its rich, balanced enjoyment that yearns for one or two more glasses. My father in law Juan affirms that this is the best cognac. I cannot disagree and I fully recommend. Discover, find your palate and allow Selection des Anges to etch in your life a plethora of unforgettable memories.

Value for Money 5/5

Overpriced Low Average Bargain Steal

Tasting

Nose

What aromas do you get when you sniff the Cognac? Do you get hints of fruits or flowers - perhaps it's sweet? Is it intense or rather flat - and most importantly, is the nose coherent to taste and finish? The nose is the most important part when tasting Cognac.

23/25

Mouth

A small sip: Allow your taste buds in the various areas of your mouth to distinguish the different flavours. This part of cognac tasting is described as ‘the palate’. Don’t just swallow it down; allow the liquid to touch all the regions of the mouth. Doing this is necessary as the taste buds pick up contrasting flavours in the different areas of the mouth; on the tip of your tongue to the sides, for example. Take a tiny sip to prep your palate for the sensory experience to come. Take a second larger sip, and gently roll the cognac around, etting it come into contact with every corner of your mouth. Focus on the perceived textural sensations. Are the sensations round and rich or fresh and elegant? Is the overall mouthfeel intense, balanced, disjointed, or lacking presence? In short, how does the cognac feel in your mouth?

19/20

Taste

Quite simply, what do you taste as you gently roll the cognac around in your mouth? Pay close attention to any flavors of fruits, flowers, oak, and spices - or a complex combination of those elements. Are the flavors cohesive with the Nose and the Mouth, giving a sense of balance and complexity?

23/25

Finish

The ‘finish’ is the experience you get after you’ve swallowed the cognac. What flavours can you detect? Is it a flat or rough finish and rather sharp, or is it a slight 'punch' you like? How long does the finish last? Also think about overall balance: How does the finish compare to nose and taste?

19/20

Overall Impression

Consider the Nose, Mouth, Taste, and Finish simultaneously - the cognac as a whole. Is there cohesion between the four categories, or does the cognac shine in some areas and appear dull in others? Quite simply, is the memory from the tasting experience one that will last your lifetime; is the memory good but nothing extraordinary; or is the cognac’s impact entirely forgettable?

10/10

Total: 94/100

  • 80-84: Recommended
  • 85-89: Highly Recommended
  • 90-95: Exceptional
  • 96-100: Superlative
Flat Acceptable Fine Excellent Ethereal Thin & weak Disjointed Balanced Exquisite Bland Ordinary Good Excellent Spectacular Non-existent, or rough Acceptable Good Memorable Endless Uninspiring, or rough Ordinary Good Excellent Memorable
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