Bonnie Hill – Ferrand Double Cask
Sometimes I do get ideas while browsing the internet. In this case, I discovered a new banana liqueur which spiked my interest. So, I combined it with some cognac for an Old-Fashioned variation.
For the cognac in question, I chose the Ferrand Double Cask which uses Ugni Blanc grapes from the Grande Champagne appellation. After double distillation in directly fired 2500 l pot-stills, the grape eau de vie then spends a few years in French oak barrels before being transferred into ex- PX sherry casks for a six- to twelve-month finish. Ultimately, the cognac has an ABV of 42.3%.
Sherry fruit and oak
You will immediately notice something different about the aroma of this cognac. I instantly discovered some sherry fruit as well as raisins. However, you can also detect the classic ’brandy’ flavours of grapes, with hints of candied violets and spices. The taste has a pronounced oak note with some tannins. Apart from that, the flavour is rounded off with some sweet notes. This is definitely a cognac made for sipping neat, but it can also be used to make high-quality cocktails.
Cognac, smoke and bananas
For a drink with the Double Cask, I combined it with the rather unusual Bana Canne liqueur from Rhum Clément. This liqueur is made using natural ingredients combined with unaged rhum agricole. Clément grow the bananas used in this liqueur themselves. The combination of natural banana flavour and rhum agricole results in a confectionery banana taste. For the cocktail, I opted for an Old Fashioned with the addition of a few sprays of smoky whisky.
1,5 cl Clement Bana Canne
2 Sprays Islay Single Malt Whisky
1 Bsp. Simple Syrup
Spray chilled Old-Fashioned glass with whisky – stir – strain over ice cubes;
Garnish: Orange Twist (no drop);
Song: Jungle – Bonnie Hill;
The ‘Bonnie Hill’ begins with an intriguing blend of cognac and banana flavours. As I had hoped, the smoke blends well with the banana liqueur. The cognac also brings out caramel flavours. In the end, the cocktail tasted like a ‘brûléed’ banana dessert.
*The fact that I received a product reviewed in this article for free, did not – in any way – influence the rating of said product. I received the cognac and liqueur for free from Ferrand Spirits.
