Pierre Ferrand Original Formula 1840 Cognac

Remarkable, this appears orange and carries a bitter, meaty aroma with pronounced tequila notes. The taste is bitter and intensely orange, with hints of orange peel, but generally unpleasant. The fruit and floral (orange blossom) aspects are present and contribute positively to the flavor, yet it's sickeningly sweet. The rich meatiness tastes somewhat spoiled. It's off-putting and misplaced, at best. The flavors clash. Some alcohol is noticeable. That unpleasant meatiness gives way to a medicinal bitterness and occasional hints of mint. It's vile, but more understandable that way. It ultimately becomes an intriguing drink with a distinct flavor and texture. It improves over time, but I never quite love it. It's difficult to ascertain its purpose. It has a slight coastal, Scotch-like quality, but mostly in a confusing manner, similar to how some brandies taste like rum. It's simply not good. It's far too discordant and has an excessive alcohol presence. I find it challenging to sip most of the time. Many things are wrong with it.

Aroma - pear, grape, chocolate, sawdust, cinnamon, mint, orange, dry vanilla, aged wood, yeast, floral notes, perfume, moderate ethanol burn. Taste - ripe pear, grape, orange zest, caramel, cherry, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, spearmint, slightly tannic oak, chocolate, herbal undertones, moderate alcohol bite, finishing reasonably quickly with mint, pepper, and bitter oak flavors. I consider this a decent cognac, but there's nothing particularly outstanding about it. I like it better than the VS offerings from major brands, but slightly less than the A De Fussigny Sélection (and significantly less than their XO). I primarily use this as a mixer, as I find the extra proof holds up better in cocktails, but it's not a terrible sipper on its own. As an introductory cognac, it's acceptable. I intend to continue stocking it for sidecars and other brandy-forward drinks, unless I discover something superior in the same price range.

Pierre Ferrand 1840 is the other entry-level cognac in Pierre Ferrand's lineup (the other being Ambre). I fluctuate between which one I prefer, but this one, despite being young, is among the better inexpensive cognacs available. The aroma is fruity, with a bit of must and apples. On the palate, I detect pear, oak, honey, and vanilla. You can tell it's young, but it's also quite balanced. The finish is a bit hot and spicy, but not excessively so. It's likely the weakest aspect. The 1840 is quite comparable to the Ambre when neat, but I find it performs better in cocktails due to its higher proof. Since both are available for roughly the same price, if you can only purchase one, I would probably lean towards this one, but both offer great value.

Aroma: Strong alcohol, overripe white grapes, and a hint of aged leather. Taste: The taste mirrors the aroma, with the addition of pear. It's not complex but enjoyable to drink. Finish: A slightly waxy sensation on the finish, but very fruity. A rich assortment of flavors. Overall: I liked it. It's a bit one-dimensional – white grapes, like a grown-up version of Welch's grape juice, but it's worthwhile for the price. It's definitely sweet and intended as a dessert pairing. An approachable entry-level cognac.

The aroma is defined by floral notes surrounding waxy green grapes and oak, with subtle undertones of chocolate and malt appearing later. Baking spices are present throughout. The palate is vibrant, with floral green grapes as the main flavor, complemented by subtle oak. The finish offers a chocolatey essence, but is once again dominated by the fruit prominent in the rest of the experience.

Reading: The Real Watergate Scandal by Geoff Shepard. Aromas of honey, tobacco, and vanilla; the palate offers allspice, apricot, and honey, finishing with spice. It's a decent cognac for sipping, but it truly excels in cocktails (which aligns with its marketing). It's excellent in a Sidecar or as a whiskey substitute in an Old Fashioned.