Time once again for some more cognac with another VS from Martell. They have some typical pomp and circumstance (it’s always a snore when the words ‘great cognac houses’ enters the verbiage), but it’s thankfully backed up by something of substance.
This is one of those reviews that you wish to see, a few good points, but no horror stories. It would be nice though if this was a bit better on rocks or cocktails, but as a nice warming dram for a rainy day – we’ll take it.
What they Say: “Martell VS Single Distillery marries spirits from a single distillation source for a richer and more intense expression of the Martell distillation style. Among the great cognac houses, only Martell distils exclusively wines that have been cleared of all sediments, revealing the luscious fruit aromas and finesse that are our hallmarks. Each bottle of Martell VS Single Distillery is sourced from one of our carefully selected partner distilleries in the Cognac region. ”
Taste: 7.0 – Holy shit. It’s a VS cognac that’s not terrible in the big 3. The initial taste is a sweet and mellow grape and woody flavor.
Aftertaste: 7.5 – The aftertaste continues that adding in a bit of what feels like the orange that was in the aroma.
Burn/Smooth: 7.0 – It is remarkably smooth and warming. We’re slightly out of season here, but this lightly mulled will be a perfect winter weather dram.
Aroma: 5.5 – There’s a bit of fruit or sort of citrus like acid smell. Otherwise, though it mostly plays along with that rich brandy-like aroma.
Honesty: 6.0 – The bit about sourcing feels odd, and it’s not exactly clear why removing the sediment from the wine makes it better (although it’s something you have to choose to do, so maybe). Overall though the design and wording are pretty okay, there’s no points to be awarded.
Mixability: 5.75
W/ Rocks: 6.5 – It mellows and blends things a bit out, but considering how we got here, this is better warm.
Sidecar: 5.0 – It’s only a subpar sidecar.
Value: 6.0 – For a basic level cognac that’s not bad at all actually. It’s something we’d happily pay again because (and need we remind you) there are no blemishes here. Well outside from cocktails, but meh.
Google Shop Average: $33
Website: https://www.martell.com/
Reviewer Scores:
BuffaloJern: 6.5
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Metric Score: 44.75/70 |+| Metric Average: 6.39 |+| Reviewer Average: 6.5
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Final Thoughts: This is most likely one of the better cognacs we’ve had here, and to come not from a VSOP or XO is certainly an achievement. They claim to be one of the oldest houses, and it might be worth seeing if their older brandies live up to this offering.
