Martell Cordon Bleu Review: A Connoisseur's Perspective
Martell Cordon Bleu is undoubtedly the king of cognacs, and not just by reputation—it's the very embodiment of tradition and excellence. As the oldest XO equivalent cognac still in production, it's an admired spirit.
Crafted in 1912 by Edouard Martell, the great-grandson of the founder, Martell Cordon Bleu uses grapes from the vineyards in the Borderie subregion in its eaux-de-vie and Tronçais oak for its casks. This combination results in an exceptionally smooth cognac.
Let's take a laid-back journey through this iconic drink's fascinating history, masterful craftsmanship, and mouthwatering flavours.
The Process of Creation
To produce the Cognac, the distillers rack the juices before and after distillation. The process allows sediments to settle at the bottom of the tank, ensuring the drink is well-filtered and bright.
Martell's winemakers use traditional pot stills to heat the wine. The vapour goes through the still head and along the swan's neck, finally entering the coil where it condenses and creates a crystal-clear drink. Then, they cut the tails—juice retrieved from the second pressing of grapes—to keep the undesirable flavours from contaminating the drink.
The Eye, Nose, and Palate
The Appearance
The Martell Cordon Bleu boasts a golden copper hue reflecting its rich and mature character. The timeless bottle design complements the luxurious appearance, embodying this legendary cognac's exquisite elegance and heritage.
The Smell
A blend of candied fruit, gingerbread, and hints of cinnamon, with a sweet prune-like quality.
The Taste
A smooth tapestry of velvety flavours. Notes of sweet dried fruits, gingerbread, vanilla, and citrus peel are complemented by a leathery astringency, subtle hints of cinnamon, roasted cocoa beans, and chestnut aromas.
Final Verdict: Is Martell Cordon Bleu Worth the Money?
In a world of innovations and new flavours, Martell Cordon Bleu stands its ground as a timeless masterpiece. Its dedication to traditional craftsmanship makes it a cognac that transcends the ages. While it may come with a premium price tag, every sip is an investment in an unparalleled experience.
Some may argue that the cost is prohibitive, but true connoisseurs understand that excellence often comes at a price.
Martell Cordon Bleu is undoubtedly the king of cognacs, and not just by reputation—it's the very embodiment of tradition and excellence. As the oldest XO equivalent cognac still in production, it's an admired spirit.
Crafted in 1912 by Edouard Martell, the great-grandson of the founder, Martell Cordon Bleu uses grapes from the vineyards in the Borderie subregion in its eaux-de-vie and Tronçais oak for its casks. This combination results in an exceptionally smooth cognac.
Let's take a laid-back journey through this iconic drink's fascinating history, masterful craftsmanship, and mouthwatering flavours.
The Process of Creation
To produce the Cognac, the distillers rack the juices before and after distillation. The process allows sediments to settle at the bottom of the tank, ensuring the drink is well-filtered and bright.
Martell's winemakers use traditional pot stills to heat the wine. The vapour goes through the still head and along the swan's neck, finally entering the coil where it condenses and creates a crystal-clear drink. Then, they cut the tails—juice retrieved from the second pressing of grapes—to keep the undesirable flavours from contaminating the drink.
The Eye, Nose, and Palate
The Appearance
The Martell Cordon Bleu boasts a golden copper hue reflecting its rich and mature character. The timeless bottle design complements the luxurious appearance, embodying this legendary cognac's exquisite elegance and heritage.
The Smell
A blend of candied fruit, gingerbread, and hints of cinnamon, with a sweet prune-like quality.
The Taste
A smooth tapestry of velvety flavours. Notes of sweet dried fruits, gingerbread, vanilla, and citrus peel are complemented by a leathery astringency, subtle hints of cinnamon, roasted cocoa beans, and chestnut aromas.
Final Verdict: Is Martell Cordon Bleu Worth the Money?
In a world of innovations and new flavours, Martell Cordon Bleu stands its ground as a timeless masterpiece. Its dedication to traditional craftsmanship makes it a cognac that transcends the ages. While it may come with a premium price tag, every sip is an investment in an unparalleled experience.
Some may argue that the cost is prohibitive, but true connoisseurs understand that excellence often comes at a price.