Martell V.S. Review

Martell, located in Cognac, France, on the Charente River, is a Cognac house founded in 1715 by Jean Martell. Martell’s Eaux-de-vie are aged in French oak from Tronçais style trees. They have a fine grain that produces Cognacs with tannins and a subtle woody flavor. Martell uses grapes for its Eaux-de-vie from the most prestigious and exclusive Grande and Petit Champagne and Cognac appellations of Borderies.

After tasting Martell V.S. neat in a cognac snifter, below is our review.

Price: 

Martell V.S is similar in price to Courvoisier V.S. It is cheaper than Hennessy’s V.S. and Rémy Martin’s Petite Champagne V.S.

Alcohol:

40% (80 proof)

Age:

Martell V.S. is created from Eaux-de-vie from the Borderies, Petite and Grande Champagne, and Fins Bois growing crus. It is aged in French Tronçais oak barrels for at least two years.

The Label/ Bottle

Martell V.S. is packaged in a Bordeaux-style wine bottle. It has a medallion at the base of the neck with the 1715 Louis XIV family logo and the words “Cognac Martell” imprinted on it. An “A Martell” script is engraved on the bottleneck.

The Color

Golden copper

The Nose (Nez)

Vanilla, honeysuckle, Oak, and light citrus.

Mouth (En Bouche)

Cloves, cinnamon, and cardamon.

Finish

Citrus, lingering spice, medium length.

Overall

Martell V.S. is complex entry-level sipping, Cognac. It works well as a Cognac cocktail mixer. Its lighter style makes it an understated feature in a Cognac cocktail which allows the character of the other ingredients to partake in the flavor stage.