Its my first time to try and taste the Martell cognac brand, I've have no knowledge about it because Im exposed to other brands that are well known here in the Philippines. But the cognac tasting and appreciation session organized by Martell Philippines in C Lounge of Conrad Hotel. I was afraid to try but I was confident that this brand will take me to another level of tasting the finest and best cognac brand.
Martell is one of the oldest and established cognac makers in France, it exist since the 1715 and they are the premium cognac of old times. Martell is founded by Jean Martell, and their cognac was patronized by royals such as George V, Prince Rainer and Grace Kelly during the 20th century.
Martell's cognac is considered as the superior cognac brand because of its distinct signature taste style. Grapes were turned into brandy, a specific kind of brandy that can be turned into a fine cognac and this is exclusively produced in the region of Cognac in Western France. Each French oak barrels with distilled cognac will be aged up to two years and added with alcohol content of 40 percent.
Martell has this kind of cognac dubbed as fine brandies or "eaux-de-vie", which means "waters of life". Martell has perfected the production for 3 centuries and they have developed a much unique distillation process, a secret method that still kept by the Martell cognac brand.
Tasting the Martell cognac, especially the decade old XO kind, produces a very aromatic taste with candy fruity taste and sweet spice after taste. If you imagine the aromatic flavor, that's the Martell cognac style
At the Martell cognac tasting session, we met their brand ambassador Pierre Boyer, he gave an introduction about Martell and how we can appreciate the taste of their 3 kinds of cognac. Also he introduces two kinds of cocktails mix with their cognac.
I was excited and nervous, because I got drunk last year during the Whisky Live Manila, but then I've learned my limit which is 8 glasses. But this time, they offered us 3 kinds of cognac and 2 cocktails, I have to control myself but still curious to find out my limit.
Here they prepared us three glasses with three kinds of cognac
1. VSOP
2. Cordon Bleu
3. XO
My review
VSOP - its very light and has this minty or fizz taste, less flavor and alcohol scent is a bit strong
Cordon Bleu - Mid strong flavor but has a strong kick of flavor and an after taste of spice and cinnamon-like aroma
XO - for me its the best!!! smell it first before you drink it. Let your senses absorb the aromatic scent and then sip it to taste the strong spice, fruity and cinnamon-like flavor. Feels like the alcohol is not present but no after taste was felt after I tasted it.. Its good and for me this is the best cognac.
Among the three kinds of cognac, I super love and enjoyed drinking their Martell cognac XO. Its the most oldest cognac that produces the best taste and aromatic flavor.
Grabe. I got 2 glasses of XO that day.
As for the pricing, I heard that the VSOP is around PHP3k, the Cordon Bleu is around PHP 6-7k and the most expensive one is the XO which is around PHP10k because it was prepared for almost 10 years.
Not sure about the prices, but check out their FB page for info and where to buy
https://www.facebook.com/MartellCognacPH/
Martell brand ambassador Pierre Boyer showed to us on how to make a cocktail based with a Martell cognac.
here he demo a Side Car cocktail
Here's a recipe:
SIDECAR
This cocktail was invented in France, likely at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes (French Riviera). It became an instant hit in London. In 1922, Robert Vermeire from the Embassy Club published the first recipe in Cocktails - How to Mix Them.
Ingredients:
45 ml Martell VSOP
20 ml triple sec
15 ml lemon juice
Orange peel
Pour all ingredients into the cocktail shaker. Shake well until the metal gets frosted. Strain into a coupe glass. Twist an orange peel over the drink and discard.
Side Car cocktail
Mint Julep
A Julep is an ancient medicinal solution that was used in France in the 1600s. In 1784, it became a proper drink in Virginia, mainly consumed by sugar plantations workers. The first recipe of a 'Mint Julep' with brandy appears in 1833 in Transatlantic Sketches, by Captain J.E. Alexander. In 1862, the master Jerry Thomas indicates to use Cognac for the Mint Julep in How to Mix Drinks. The Mint Julep has since then become a favorite summer American drink.
CURIOUS JULEP
Ingredients:
50 ml Martell VSOP
10-12 fresh mint leaves
10 ml sugar syrup
Press the mint leaves in a julep cup with a flat end barspoon or a muddler. Add Martell and sugar syrup.
Fill with crushed ice. Stir well until the cup is well frosted. Garnish with a mint bouquet.
For that day I finished 6 glasses and Im still okay and not tipsy!
Good job Martell!
Thanks to Laila for inviting me for this cognac session and thanks to Mr. Boyer for the appreciation session with Martell.
Now my body, mind, soul and taste buds are looking for this kind of flavor. Now I wonder when and where I can encounter this fine cognac.
Thanks Martell, I might see you soon in some hotel, resort or club.
