Martell Cognac is a brand of cognac, a type of brandy that is produced in the Cognac region of France. Founded in 1715, Martell is one of the oldest and most prestigious cognac houses in the world. The brand produces a range of cognacs, including VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), and XO (Extra Old), as well as special limited edition releases. Martell cognacs are known for their smoothness, complexity, and delicate floral and fruity notes, and are enjoyed as a sipping drink or used in cocktails. Martell is currently owned by the Pernod Ricard group, a multinational drinks company.
About Martell Cognac
Origin: Martell Cognac was founded in 1715 in the town of Cognac, in the Charente region of southwestern France. The company was established by Jean Martell, an entrepreneur from Jersey, who saw the potential of the region’s vineyards and began to produce high-quality cognacs.
Ingredients: Martell Cognac is made from Ugni Blanc grapes, which are grown in the Cognac region. The grapes are harvested and then pressed to produce a juice that is fermented into wine. The wine is then distilled twice in copper pot stills, producing a clear, high-proof spirit that is aged in oak barrels to develop its flavor and color.
Flavor: The flavor of Martell Cognac varies depending on the specific expression, but generally, it is characterized by notes of fruit, flowers, and spices. Martell VS is a young and fresh cognac with notes of citrus, pear, and vanilla, while Martell VSOP is more complex with hints of dried fruit, cinnamon, and oak. Martell XO is the most luxurious expression, with a rich and velvety flavor profile that includes notes of honey, fig, and dark chocolate.
Proof: The proof of Martell Cognac varies depending on the specific expression. Martell VS is 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume), Martell VSOP is 86 proof (43% ABV), and Martell XO is 80 proof (40% ABV).
Usage: Martell Cognac is typically enjoyed as a sipping drink, served neat or on the rocks. It can also be used in cocktails, particularly in classic drinks like the Sidecar and the French 75.
Production: The production of Martell Cognac begins with the harvesting of Ugni Blanc grapes in the Cognac region. The grapes are then pressed to produce a juice that is fermented into wine. The wine is distilled twice in copper pot stills, producing a clear, high-proof spirit that is aged in oak barrels. The aging process takes place in Martell’s extensive network of cellars, where the barrels are carefully monitored and rotated to ensure even maturation.
Manufacturer: Martell Cognac is owned by Pernod Ricard, a multinational drinks company based in France. The company produces a range of spirits and wines, including Absolut Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and Perrier-Jouët Champagne.
Martell Cognac is a versatile spirit that pairs well with a variety of foods. Here are some food pairing suggestions to enhance your Martell Cognac drinking experience:
- Chocolate: Martell XO’s rich and velvety flavor profile pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, creating a decadent dessert pairing.
- Cheese: Pair Martell VSOP with a selection of hard and salty cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged cheddar, to complement the cognac’s notes of dried fruit and oak.
- Smoked Salmon: Martell VS’s bright and fresh flavor profile makes it a perfect match for smoked salmon, creating a light and refreshing pairing.
- Foie Gras: Martell XO’s complex and luxurious flavor profile pairs well with the rich and creamy texture of foie gras, creating an indulgent pairing.
- Spicy Foods: Martell VSOP’s warm and spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg make it a great pairing for spicy dishes, such as Indian curries or Thai stir-fries.
- Nuts: Pair Martell VS with a selection of nuts, such as almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts, to bring out the cognac’s nutty and fruity notes.
- Grilled Meats: Martell XO’s bold and intense flavor profile pairs well with grilled meats, such as steak or lamb, creating a hearty and satisfying pairing.
Remember, the key to a successful food pairing with Martell Cognac is to find flavors that complement or contrast with the spirit’s flavor profile, enhancing the overall drinking and dining experience.
Martell Cognac is typically served in a tulip-shaped snifter or a small brandy glass, which allows the aromas and flavors to be concentrated and enjoyed to their fullest. Here are the steps for serving and enjoying a Martell Cognac:
- Choose the right glass: Select a tulip-shaped snifter or a small brandy glass to serve your Martell Cognac. The glass should be wide enough to allow you to swirl the cognac and release its aromas, but narrow enough to concentrate the aromas towards the nose.
- Pour the cognac: Pour a small amount (about 1-2 ounces) of Martell Cognac into the glass, filling it about one-third full.
- Warm the cognac: Hold the glass in your hand and warm the cognac by gently swirling it around the glass, using the heat of your hand to bring out the aromas and flavors.
- Smell the cognac: Bring the glass to your nose and inhale deeply, taking in the cognac’s aromas. Martell Cognac is known for its delicate floral and fruity notes, so look for hints of pear, citrus, and honeysuckle.
- Taste the cognac: Take a small sip of the cognac and let it rest on your tongue for a few seconds to fully experience its flavors. Martell Cognac is known for its smoothness and complexity, with notes of fruit, spices, and oak.
- Savor the cognac: After tasting the cognac, savor its flavors and textures, noting any lingering aftertastes or sensations.
Martell Cognac is a premium spirit that is often enjoyed on its own or paired with food, but it can also be mixed with a variety of mixers and ingredients to create unique and flavorful cocktails. However, if you prefer to enjoy Martell Cognac as a mixed drink or with a mixer, here are some popular options:
- Water: Adding a few drops of water to Martell Cognac can help to open up its flavors and aromas, making it easier to sip and enjoy.
- Ice: Martell Cognac can be served over ice to create a refreshing and cooling drink. However, keep in mind that too much ice can dilute the cognac’s flavors and aromas.
- Soda: Mixing Martell Cognac with soda water or tonic water can create a light and refreshing drink that is perfect for summer.
- Ginger Ale: Martell Cognac pairs well with the spicy and sweet flavors of ginger ale, creating a refreshing and flavorful drink.
- Fruit Juice: Mixing Martell Cognac with fruit juices such as orange, apple, or cranberry juice can create a fruity and refreshing cocktail.
Remember, when mixing Martell Cognac with mixers or ingredients, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients that complement and enhance the cognac’s flavors and aromas.
5 Martell Cognac Cocktail Recipes
- Classic Old Fashioned:
- 2 oz Martell Cognac
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions: Combine the Martell Cognac, simple syrup, and bitters in a rocks glass filled with ice. Stir well and garnish with an orange peel.
- The Stinger:
- 2 oz Martell Cognac
- 1 oz white crème de menthe
- ice
- mint sprig (for garnish)
Instructions: Combine the Martell Cognac and crème de menthe in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.
- The Sidecar:
- 2 oz Martell Cognac
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- sugar (for rimming the glass)
- lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions: Rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar. Combine the Martell Cognac, Cointreau, and lemon juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- The Truffle:
- 2 oz Martell Cognac
- 1 oz truffle honey syrup*
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz egg white
- dash of Peychaud’s bitters
- truffle oil (for garnish)
Instructions: Combine the Martell Cognac, truffle honey syrup, lemon juice, egg white, and bitters in a shaker without ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Add ice and shake again for another 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a few drops of truffle oil.
*Truffle Honey Syrup: Combine 1 cup of honey, 1 cup of water, and 1/4 cup of truffle oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the honey is dissolved and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and let cool.
- The Ginger Julep:
- 2 oz Martell Cognac
- 1/2 oz ginger syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz honey syrup
- mint leaves
- ginger beer
- lime wedge (for garnish)
Instructions: Muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of a Collins glass. Add the Martell Cognac, ginger syrup, lime juice, and honey syrup and stir well. Fill the glass with crushed ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge and more mint leaves.
5 Mind-Blowing Martell Cognac Cocktails
- The Billionaire Cocktail:
- 1 1/2 oz Martell Cognac
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz absinthe
- 1 dash of grenadine
- lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions: Combine the Martell Cognac, lemon juice, simple syrup, absinthe, and grenadine in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- The Penicillin:
- 2 oz Martell Cognac
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz honey syrup
- 1/4 oz ginger syrup
- 1/4 oz Islay Scotch whisky
- candied ginger (for garnish)
Instructions: Combine the Martell Cognac, lemon juice, honey syrup, and ginger syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Float the Islay Scotch whisky on top and garnish with candied ginger.
- The Brandy Crusta:
- 2 oz Martell Cognac
- 1/2 oz Cointreau
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 oz maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- sugar (for rimming the glass)
- lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions: Rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar. Combine the Martell Cognac, Cointreau, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, simple syrup, and bitters in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- The Paper Plane:
- 3/4 oz Martell Cognac
- 3/4 oz Aperol
- 3/4 oz Amaro Nonino
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- lemon twist (for garnish)
Instructions: Combine the Martell Cognac, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- The Elderflower Cognac Sour:
- 2 oz Martell Cognac
- 1 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- egg white
- lavender (for garnish)
Instructions: Combine the Martell Cognac, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white in a shaker without ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Add ice and shake again for another 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a few sprigs of lavender.