Pierre Ferrand Selection Des Anges 750ML is a prestigious Grande Champagne cognac blending eaux-de-vie aged 30 to 55 years, bottled at 41.8% ABV. This expression earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 94 points from Wine Enthusiast, placing it among the most acclaimed cognacs in its class.Quick Facts: ABV: 41.8% | Origin: Grande Champagne, Premier Cru du Cognac, France | Average Age: 30 Years | Distillery: Maison FerrandProduction & HeritageMaison Ferrand was founded in 1989 by Alexandre Gabriel, who acquired the historic Château de Bonbonnet estate in the heart of Grande Champagne — the most prized of Cognac's six crus. Selection Des Anges, whose name translates to "Selection of the Angels" in reference to the portion of spirit lost to evaporation during barrel aging, is distilled in small onion-shaped pot stills with a capacity of just 25 hectoliters. The spirit is distilled slowly on its fine lees — the unfiltered sediment from fermentation — a traditional technique that imparts additional body and complexity to the raw eau-de-vie before it enters decades of oak aging. The final blend marries cognacs ranging from 30 to 55 years old, with an average age of approximately 30 years.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with a rich pastry-like quality — raisin, honey, and vanilla layered over ripe apricot. Beneath that initial sweetness, elegant floral notes of rose and jasmine emerge alongside wisps of fresh tobacco and dried fruit.Taste: The entry is soft and unctuous, with candied fruit, saffron, and cedar arriving immediately on the palate. The mid-palate shifts toward spice — black pepper, nutmeg, ginger, and a gentle oak structure — before revealing an extremely fruity dimension with suggestions of pineapple, persimmon, and lemon curd. Walnut and plum skin introduce a pleasant dryness that balances the sweetness, while long, luxurious ribbons of maple and almond add depth.Finish: The finish is remarkably long, textured with hazelnut and grilled walnut that lingers well after the sip. Subtle mulling spices and a faint suggestion of apple round out the conclusion with understated elegance.How to Drink Selection Des AngesA cognac of this age and complexity rewards patient sipping — neat, in a tulip glass, at room temperature. A few drops of water can open the floral and fruit aromatics further, but ice is generally unnecessary. For those inclined toward cocktails: a Vieux Carré benefits from the walnut and spice character that anchors the drink's rye and vermouth components; a Sidecar gains remarkable depth from the honeyed, pastry-driven profile; and a Sazerac variation using this cognac in place of rye whiskey creates a historically authentic New Orleans-style serve with extraordinary richness.Best For Gifting a cognac collector or spirits enthusiast who values aged expressions After-dinner contemplative sipping alongside dessert or a fine cigar Marking a milestone anniversary, retirement, or significant celebration Building a home bar anchored by a reference-quality Grande Champagne cognac Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Selection Des Anges taste like? Selection Des Anges delivers a rich, pastry-driven profile dominated by raisin, honey, candied fruit, and vanilla, layered with warming spice notes of nutmeg, pepper, and ginger. The palate is soft and unctuous, finishing with distinctive hazelnut and grilled walnut character.How does Selection Des Anges compare to Delamain cognac? Both are exclusively Grande Champagne cognacs prized for elegance and refinement, but Selection Des Anges tends toward a more fruit-forward and spice-rich profile, while Delamain expressions are often noted for a lighter, more floral delicacy. The Ferrand's on-the-lees distillation also contributes a fuller body that distinguishes it from Delamain's house style.Is Selection Des Anges good for sipping neat? Absolutely — with an average age of 30 years and a blend of eaux-de-vie up to 55 years old, this cognac is specifically designed for contemplative neat sipping. The 41.8% ABV provides enough structure without requiring dilution.Where is Selection Des Anges made? Selection Des Anges is produced by Maison Ferrand at the Château de Bonbonnet in Grande Champagne, the Premier Cru of the Cognac appellation in southwestern France. Grande Champagne's chalky soils produce eaux-de-vie considered the finest and longest-aging in the region.What foods pair well with Selection Des Anges? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cognac's honeyed richness; aged Comté cheese mirrors its nutty, complex character; crème brûlée echoes the vanilla and caramel notes; foie gras pairs naturally with the fruit-forward sweetness; and walnut tart creates a direct bridge to the finish's hazelnut and grilled walnut flavors.What sizes does Selection Des Anges come in? Selection Des Anges is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.Is Selection Des Anges worth the price? Selection Des Anges positions as an ultra-premium cognac, and its blend of 30-to-55-year-old eaux-de-vie, Double Gold Medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and 94-point Wine Enthusiast rating all support its standing in the upper tier of the category. For aged Grande Champagne cognac of this caliber, it represents strong value relative to comparably aged expressions from the largest Cognac houses.Why Selection Des Anges?What separates Selection Des Anges from most cognacs at any price is the combination of traditional on-the-lees distillation in small onion-shaped pot stills and an extraordinarily deep reserve of aged eaux-de-vie spanning three decades. The Double Gold at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 94 points from Wine Enthusiast confirm what the liquid itself demonstrates — this is a serious, award-winning Grande Champagne expression built for discerning palates. Its layered progression from pastry and fruit through spice to grilled walnut reveals new dimensions across multiple sittings. For anyone seeking an aged cognac from the Premier Cru that delivers genuine complexity without relying solely on brand pedigree, Selection Des Anges stands as one of the most compelling options available.
