Martell Cordon Bleu (75cl, 40%)

Martell Cordon Bleu is a cognac first created in 1912, blended from eaux-de-vie aged between 10 and 25 years. It is bottled at 40% vol in a 75cl bottle. More than half of the blend comes from the small Borderies cru, which gives a rounded, nutty character. Martell distils only clear wines, with the lees removed, in copper Charentais pot stills by double distillation. The eaux-de-vie come from Ugni Blanc grown in the Charente and Charente-Maritime. The nose shows candied plum, crystallised apple, roasted mocha and toasted almond, with vetiver, violet and cinnamon. The palate is velvety, with candied orange, gingerbread spice, clove and cocoa, mellow and full without heaviness. The finish is sustained, with candied fruit, almond, gentle oak and a last trace of ginger and cocoa.