Pernod-Ricard has launched a new House of Martell spirit made of VSOP cognac which is matured in French oak casks and finished in Kentucky bourbon casks.
Called Martell Blue Swift, the cognac aims to celebrate Martell’s historic links with the US. It is claimed to be the first cognac house to ship its barrels to the country from 1783.
Martell’s double distillation of clear wines produces high-purity eaux-de-vie, allowing them to better absorb the aromatic tones from the Kentucky bourbon oak casks.
Martell Blue Swift is said to have notes of candied fruit and plum, with a sweetness of vanilla and toasted oak.
In a statement, Martell said: “When served on the rocks, the ice softens some of the initial oaky fire while still permeating the natural sweetness like that of a bourbon. This further allows the expression of the characteristic fruity notes of cognac and the ample, smooth and long toasted finish from Kentucky bourbon casks.
“In design, too, Martell Blue Swift breaks the cognac codes, uniting old world and new with the sleek cylinder of its bottle recalling the shape of bourbon casks, and the elaborate cut glass detail on its base evoking classic crystal decanters.”
Martell Blue Swift is now available in the UK, retailing for £45.
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