Martell Blue Swift (75cl, 40%)

Martell Blue Swift is a spirit drink made from 100% Martell VSOP cognac, with eaux-de-vie aged at least four years, finished in Kentucky bourbon casks. Because the bourbon-cask finish takes it outside the Cognac appellation, Martell labels it a spirit drink rather than a cognac. Martell was the first Maison to ship cognac to the United States in 1783. Blue Swift was created to celebrate that history, absorbing vanilla and toasted-oak sweetness from bourbon casks into the house's candied-fruit and plum hallmarks. The colour is copper with golden highlights; banana and caramelised pear introduce vanilla, coconut and spices on the nose; the palate is full and generous, with ginger and candied fruit, notably white plum, followed by toasted oak; and the finish is ample, smooth and rounded.