With three centuries of history behind it, Martell is one of the world’s oldest, most prestigious cognac houses. To celebrate this important milestone (which it will reach in 2015), the brand is launching the Martell Premier Voyage. Cellar Master Benoît Fil went through founder Jean Martell’s original correspondence and managed to trace his most important supplier from 1735 to 1742. The blend contains 18 eaux-de-vie from Martell’s cellars and was aged in barrels made from the oak of a 300 year-old tree – thus, the Martell Premier Voyage (which is French for First Journey) was born.
To the sensitive nose, generous notes of candied orange peel, blackcurrant, honey, and gingerbread are revealed. Swirling then brings out more subtle notes of old walnuts combined with dried fruit, apricots and raisins. The palate will discern generous aromas of candied fruit, while afterwards hints of blackcurrant, with a long finish in which notes of spice and beeswax come to the forefront.
In an attempt to make the final product as appealing to the eyes as it is to one’s sense of taste, famed French conceptual artist Bernar Venet was called upon to create a work of art worthy of housing the cognac. The result is a beautiful design featuring metal arcs divided into three clusters, hinting at the 300 year anniversary, and sheltering shelter a simple and elegant teardrop-shaped Sèvres crystal decanter.
[Luxury Insider]
