Pierre Ferrand Ambre Cognac
Pierre Ferrand Ambre is a 10-year-old Grande Champagne cognac bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) in 750mL — a flagship that could be labeled X.O. but is sold as 1er Cru de Cognac. The eaux-de-vie come from Ugni Blanc and Colombard grapes distilled in small 25-hectoliter copper pot stills, then spend a decade in French Quercus Sessiliflora (Tronçais) oak — tighter-grained and less porous than Limousin, yielding a silkier, less tannic spirit. It took Double Gold at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 93 points from Wine Spectator. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof) — 750mL
- Age: average 10 years; could carry an X.O. designation
- Origin: 100% Grande Champagne, Cognac, France — Logis d'Angeac estate
- Production: Ugni Blanc + Colombard, distilled slowly on lees in 25-hL onion pot stills, aged in Tronçais oak
- Awards: Double Gold SFWSC 2021, 93 pts Wine Spectator, 91 Vinous, Gold Cognac Masters
Ten Years in Tronçais
Most Cognac of this age comes from Limousin oak; Maison Ferrand chose Tronçais for Ambre deliberately — its tight grain pulls less tannin, so a decade of aging leaves the spirit silky rather than grippy. Distillation on the lees in tiny stills adds the body and aromatic complexity the house is known for. The result sits between the big four's VSOP and X.O. offerings in style — and it works in cocktails as well as neat. Compare with the rest of Pierre Ferrand or browse cognac.
Tasting Notes
Subtle vanilla, ripe plum and apricot, orange, and floral rose and violet on the nose; silky and honeyed entry giving way to bright citrus and green tea mid-palate with light wood and baking spice; persistent vanilla sweetness and a light, refreshing finish.
How to Enjoy
Neat or with a splash of water for the full floral arc; its brightness also holds up in a refined Sidecar or French 75.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pierre Ferrand Ambre an X.O.?
The average age is 10 years, which would qualify — but the family markets it as 1er Cru de Cognac rather than using VS/VSOP/X.O. labels.
What is Tronçais oak?
A tight-grained French oak (Quercus sessiliflora) that extracts less tannin than the Limousin oak common in Cognac, giving a silkier texture.
What grapes are used?
Ugni Blanc with a portion of Colombard — Colombard brings the floral, fruity lift.
Grande Champagne silk — order Pierre Ferrand Ambre online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.