Pierre Ferrand Cognac Renegade Barrel #3 (48.2%)

Renegade Barrel #3 is a hybrid spirit of Cognac origin finished in rum casks. It begins as a Grande Champagne Cognac distilled in 2011, aged in French oak for approximately nine years, then finished for about one year in ex-Jamaican rum barrels. Because of the rum barrel finishing, it is referred to as an eau-de-vie de vin or finished spirit. The nose brings tropical and expressive notes of orange peel, guava and cape gooseberry, with pastry hints of almond croissant, vanilla and honeysuckle, plus faint rum funk, char and aged oak. The palate is intense and smoky-leaning, with dark chocolate, heavy charred oak, roasted coffee beans and black pepper, alongside fruity echoes and warm spice. The finish is long and sultry, with lemongrass, licorice, peppery oak, coffee bitterness and a cool minty edge.