Review: Ferrand S.D.A. Cognac (Updated 2025)
Maison Ferrand‘s S.D.A. — Selection des Anges, the angels’ selection — is not a new expression, but the brand has recently retooled it, creating new packaging and upping the proof slightly from 80 to 83.6. We never reviewed the expression in its pre-Covid incarnation, but we’re digging in to a 2021 bottling all the same. It’s still made from 100% Grande Champagne fruit, bottled with no formal age classification.
Update: We got the latest expression of S.D.A., 2025 release, and are adding our review here to keep the family altogether.
Ferrand S.D.A. Cognac (2021) Review
From the first sip, this is clearly solid stuff.
On the nose: Heady incense, gently floral with a strong current of baking spice and fresh plums. Sweet but restrained, there’s a layer of barrel char that balances out the fruitier elements with the lightest of hands.
The palate showcases lots of fresh fruit — plums, red berries, and currants — before letting that gentle barrel char note back into the house. It’s toasty but not particularly woody, with a slightly green element to it that is reminiscent of the vineyard. The finish immediately punches you with a a fat, plump, juice raisin character, so strong you can taste the sweat on the Sun-Maid lady, but this fades with time in glass, ultimately allowing a slightly savory character to emerge. The fade-out showcases more currants, some balsamic notes, and a final hint of flowers on a delightfully complex denouement.
Beautiful and rich, this is a decidedly worthwhile experience. 83.6 proof. A / $175 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Ferrand S.D.A. Cognac (2025) Review
Proof has not changed, nor has the construction. I can’t remember a Cognac that has been this exotic and aromatic, loaded on the nose with such heavy incense and perfume notes that it’s overwhelming at times. Chocolate and almond are impregnated by saffron and peach elements, making for an immense and intoxicating aromatic experience.
On the palate, vanilla leads, then a bold fruit character that evokes flavors of strawberry cream and sweet, perfumed orange blossoms. The incense notes come roaring back, pouring on the florals — lavender, lilacs, then sandalwood notes. This isn’t initially as distinctly raisiny as my 2021 notes would suggest, though those flavors emerge over time and clearly give the finish a juicy sweetness. The florals insist on dominating, though, and are never far from view despite the emerging, fruit-forward finish.
83.6 proof. A / $250 [BUY IT NOW FROM TOTAL WINE] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
The post Review: Ferrand S.D.A. Cognac (Updated 2025) appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.