Martell Cordon Bleu Extra Old Cognac

Introduction

Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac is one of the most revered offerings from the historic House of Martell, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and rich heritage. This legendary cognac is characterized by a beautiful complexity and refined aromas, establishing it as a cornerstone of the cognac tradition. Its distinct profile showcases the hallmark of the Martell house: elegance infused with aromatic richness. The cognac’s deep, golden copper hue is indicative of its lengthy aging process and the carefully selected grapes that compose its blend.

Details

ABV : 40%

Country : Western Europe

Region : Charente

Tasting Notes

Martell Cordon Bleu opens with a vibrant bouquet that features enticing notes of candied orange and honey, gently unfolding into layers of cinnamon and roasted almonds. The palate mirrors this aromatic richness with an explosion of fruitiness, hinting at candied plums and apples, complemented by a soft mocha coffee undertone. The mouthfeel is plush and velvety, offering a well-rounded experience that lingers delightfully, making way for a sustained finish marked by spice and fruit. Each sip reveals new complexities, showcasing the art of blending that Martell is renowned for.

History

First produced in 1912 by Edouard Martell, Martell Cordon Bleu has grown to become a flagship cognac for the House of Martell, which is one of the oldest cognac producers in the world. The creation of Cordon Bleu was a landmark event in the development of the cognac category, as it was designed to capture the essence of the style and tradition that is endemic to the Martell house. Edouard’s vision was to craft a cognac that embodied both richness and sophistication, leading to the use of a higher proportion of Borderies eaux-de-vie, which is known for its floral, nuanced profile. Cordon Bleu quickly developed a loyal following and became particularly popular among the elite and aristocratic circles, further solidifying its status as a symbol of excellence in the world of fine spirits.

Fabrication Process

The production of Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac begins with the selection of only the finest grapes, predominantly sourced from the Borderies cru, known for its distinctive roundness and aromatic depth. The harvested grapes undergo fermentation, allowing the natural sugars to convert into alcohol. After fermentation, the clear wine is distilled using the house’s traditional pot still method, which is unique among cognac producers. This single distillation process is key to preserving the fruit-forward character of the base wine. Post-distillation, the resulting eaux-de-vie is carefully aged in French oak barrels, with some components aged up to 25 years. This maturation process develops the rich and complex flavors that Martell Cordon Bleu is known for. The blending stage involves selecting different aged eaux-de-vie to craft the desired profile, ensuring consistency and harmony. Once the blend is perfected, the cognac is meticulously filtered and bottled at an ABV of 40% to maintain its integrity and character, allowing the natural aromas and flavors to shine through in every glass.

The full story is reserved to Barlist users.

Unlock the full story,
and so much more.
Get unlimited access to every Barlist article, plus curated picks, tasting tools, and exclusive content for true spirits lovers. Join the Barlist community starting today.
Download the app to continue reading

Available on

Download iOS Barlist app Download Android Barlist app