What better way to toast the impending Asian launch of the new Millésimes Collection than to decant three of Martell’s singularly exquisite concoctions? We take you on a virtual tasting tour of the L’Or de Jean Martell, Création Grand Extra and Cohiba Extra Cognac
The L’Or de Jean Martell decanter and case
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L’OR DE JEAN MARTELL
Counting itself among the most exceptional and recherché of the Martell spirits, L’Or de Jean Martell is a handsomely presented cognac that is as much of a pleasure to imbibe as it is to admire.
For starters, the sensuously curved, jewel-like decanter, is designed by the best artisans from Cristal de Sèvres, an object of beauty that draws its cues from the age-old art of hand-blown crystal. Accented with a finespun, swirling gold motif, the drop-shaped carafe is evocative of nature: like a raindrop holding the most precious of dews within.
After you’ve spent some time appreciating the elegant design of the exterior, through which you can see the intense amber hue of the liquid within, it’s time to pour yourself a glass. What hits you first is L’Or de Jean Martell’s zestfully heady nose: strong citrusy bergamot and orange peel harmonize perfectly with warm dark berries and blackcurrants, spicy clove, cinnamon and vanilla, tapering off to enigmatic notes reminiscent of an Oriental forest: think agarwood, myrrh and rancio.
In the mouth, the cognac is silky-smooth but substantial, with the very old Grande Champagne eau-de-vie giving the sip strength, body and structure. The mark of L’Or is the exquisite, lingering finish – the famed, elusive “peacock’s tail” effect found only in the very best of cognacs. Of course, the remarkable taste of this particular Martell gem is the result of a careful, complex blend of several hundred eau-de-vie from Borderies, the most exclusive of Martell’s terroirs. These time-tested eau-de-vie are then aged like hidden treasure for more than a century in the cool darkness of the Jean Martell cellar, developing rich, exquisite aromas.
With a cognac as exquisite as the L’Or de Jean Martell, one should serve it sparingly, at very special occasions. “L’Or de Jean Martell is the quint-essence of the Martell style. There is perfect harmony between the power of Grande Champagne and the finesse of Borderies. The aromatic palette is incredibly rich, a true marvel. A unique balance, a sensation of fulfillment, a moment of intense emotion,” says famed cellar master Benoit Fil.
The Martell Création Grand Extra, with its muscular, powerful body, has been conceived as a loving, respectful tribute to the genius and legacy of Jean Martell himself. At once straightforward and imbued with nuanced subtlety, this soulful cognac has been said to be the quintessential embodiment of the Martell spirit.
A highly complex blend marked by the characteristic power of old Grande Champagne eau-de-vie, this intense drink deserves an equally majestic receptacle. Accordingly, sculptor Serge Mansau has designed a decanter that echoes the architectural lines of the classic Roman arch, symbolizing the imbiber’s entrance into the transcendent world of Martell. Look out for the high-shine silver cork, embellished with the golden M monogram and entwined with a decorative silver rope bearing the regal Martell symbol.
Aesthetics aside, Martell Création Grand Extra boasts an extraordinarily intense yet harmonious bouquet, with fruity notes of lemon, orange peel and damson mingling with exotic earthy accents like cocoa, dark chocolate and vanilla pods and woody, spicy hints of curry pastem rancio and leather. Put your lips to the glass of luminous liquid, and Création will assault you with the most beguilingly sweet and silky of palates, and an exceptionally powerful, woody finish that lingers on your tastebuds.
Martell Création Grand Extra is best enjoyed neat, for an unadulterated hit of multi-sensory pleasure. On the special qualities of the Création, Benoit Fil says: “This is a unique tasting experience, with all the aromatic complexity of the very old eau-de-vie. A wonderful variety of aromas mingle in an intense yet nuanced harmony.”
We finish our tour of Martell’s finest with the Cohiba Extra Cognac, a most special spirit in the sense that it was created with the specific purpose of cigar pairing. Interestingly – and contrary to its name – the Cohiba does not hail from Cuba. Rather, the Cohiba is named as a tribute to the time-honored Cuban tradition of cigar smoking.
Born in 1999 and brought over under the Martell label, Cohiba was created by the Cognac House of Bisquit under the commission of famed Cuban cigar company, Habanos S.A. To ensure a perfect pairing, blind tastings took place with cigar aficionados, directors of the most prestigious cigar clubs of France and other influential cigar smokers. After meticulous testing, the Cohiba made its debut in early 1999, composed of an august blend of 40- 50-year-old eau-de-vie gleaned from the famed Grand Champagne region.
At 43% alcohol by volume, the Martell Cohiba Extra Cognac holds its own against the strongest and spiciest of cigars. A deep red copper hue, the nose comprises a complex melange of berries, dried fruits, toasted almonds and hazel, roasted coffee beans, oak and suble floral aromas. Taste-wise, the Cohiba is smooth and sweet, with a touch of liquorice and a long, lingering finish that will complement the woody flavors from your cigar.
As a paean to the rich history and heritage of Cuban cigars, the Martell Cohiba Extra Cognac is presented in a beautifully detailed bottle engraved with a silk-screen print of a pastoral Cuban tobacco field landscape. The wooden case is open in the front, and features a ‘carousel’ that allows the design and artwork on the bottle to be admired from all angles.