Maison Ferrand Pierre Ferrand Ambre NV 750ml

Light, crisp and mixable if so desired, this brandy is scented with aromas of golden raisin and honey. On the palate, a flash of vanilla sweetness gives way to notes of oak, tea, allspice, leather and cocoa.

Last reviewed in 2009 and rated Three Stars. Saffron/light amber color; immaculate clarity. Initial inhalations encounter raisiny, resiny, waxy, slightly sulfuric aromas that are vivid and more fruity than resinous; secondary sniffs pick up bread dough, biscuit batter, lemon zest and nectarine. Entry is composed, grapy/raisiny, with a touch of burnt matches; midpalate is woody, citrusy, properly acidic and therefore fresh, then later the finish highlights the oak presence and is modestly spicy (vanilla). Remains a solid Three Star rating cognac.