Martell VS Cognac review

**Joey** · May 18th, 2007, 08:28 PM

Well I can't say that I have had extensive tasting experience with Brandy (or Cognac), so my review is basically going to give my general impressions of the scent and taste of the stuff. I'm normally a gin/bourbon man, but eventually I would like to become intimate with all the branches of spirits. Ok, on with the show.

Picked this up for $23 for the fifth, and drank it chilled over ice. Now, from what I understand, Martell has been making Brandy for longer than most of the other popular brands, and you can definitely tell they have it down to a science at this point. I can't really compare it with other brands, but you don't really have to be an expert on Brandy to realize this beverage has fantastic balance. The scent is warm, nutty, and very pleasing with a hint of chocolate. You really get treated to many of the nuances on the taste, the fruit is quite pronounced, and really keeps the heat in check. Maybe as my Brandy repertoire increases, so will the quality of my reviews

But I will say to check this stuff out, it's well worth the money, and it definitely sparks my interest to try different varieties. More reviews are sure to come

Just a brief Brandy FYI for those who don't already know the difference. Brandy is basically grape wine that has been put through the distillation process(there are a number of other varieties that are made from other fermented fruit). It's typically not aged as long as the various whiskies. All Cognac is Brandy, but not all Brandy is Cognac, kinda like all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Cognac must be produced in the Cognac region of France.

There are a few different classifications based on aging, this is straight from wiki, I don't feel like typing the whole thing out from memory

A.C. : aged 2 years in wood.
V.S. : "Very Special" or 3-Star, aged at least 3 years in wood.
V.S.O.P. : "Very Superior Old Pale" or 5-Star, aged at least 5 years in wood.
X.O. : "Extra Old", Napoleon or Vieille Reserve, aged at least 6 years, Napoleon at least 4 years.
Vintage : Stored in the cask until the time it is bottled with the label showing the vintage date.
Hors D'age: : These are too old to determine the age, although 10 years plus is typical, and are usually of great quality.

**Joey** · May 18th, 2007, 09:18 PM

Whoops, forgot to post the pic:

**6speedZ** · May 19th, 2007, 01:21 PM

Good thread.

I thought about posting a cognac review a couple of weeks ago, but figured nobody would be into it. Cognac was the first liqour I really enjoyed and it's what eventually turned me onto bourbon. I have never heard of Martell, but I will look into giving it a try when I finish my Courvoisier VSOP.

BTW cognac IMO is best when served neat and at room temperature.

**Joey** · May 19th, 2007, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6speedZ

Good thread.

I thought about posting a cognac review a couple of weeks ago, but figured nobody would be into it. Cognac was the first liqour I really enjoyed and it's what eventually turned me onto bourbon. I have never heard of Martell, but I will look into giving it a try when I finish my Courvoisier VSOP.

BTW cognac IMO is best when served neat and at room temperature.

If you try any particular liquor, and you feel you need to post a review don't be afraid to do it

Definitely give this a try, and post up your thoughts about Courvoisier if you want

**raph8erxxx** · May 29th, 2007, 12:29 PM

If you like the martell VS you will love the ones that dont suck

**Joey** · May 29th, 2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raph8erxxx

If you like the martell VS you will love the ones that dont suck

So basically you're saying Martell sucks? Not sure where you're getting that from.

**raph8erxxx** · May 30th, 2007, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyZeppelin

So basically you're saying Martell sucks? Not sure where you're getting that from.

I meant more along the lines of VS's sucking and being too bitey, unbalanced and unrefined , The cordon Bleu is good; though i am partial to hennesy XO and Courvosier XO. Im actually more fond of armagnacs then i am cognacs but i drink them both. Though i may be off with my thoughs because i think the Louis XIII is way overrated.

**Joey** · May 30th, 2007, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raph8erxxx

I meant more along the lines of VS's sucking and being too bitey, unbalanced and unrefined , The cordon Bleu is good; though i am partial to hennesy XO and Courvosier XO. Im actually more fond of armagnacs then i am cognacs but i drink them both. Though i may be off with my thoughs because i think the Louis XIII is way overrated.

Well, like I said, my first hand experience is limited at the moment. However, I really did think this stuff was pretty balanced. Have you had this particular brand VS before? I will certainly give those you listed a try. I would love to try some Louis, but I can't see myself shelling out that kind of cash at this point, not even for a shot.

**Trendkiller Z28** · May 30th, 2007, 04:56 PM

I'm not really a whiskey type of guy but I'll have to give this a try:0 Good thread

**raph8erxxx** · May 30th, 2007, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyZeppelin

Well, like I said, my first hand experience is limited at the moment. However, I really did think this stuff was pretty balanced. Have you had this particular brand VS before? I will certainly give those you listed a try. I would love to try some Louis, but I can't see myself shelling out that kind of cash at this point, not even for a shot.

Yea its not cheap, i dropped 180 for a double and thats a goodprice

**6speedZ** · June 1st, 2007, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyZeppelin

If you try any particular liquor, and you feel you need to post a review don't be afraid to do it

Definitely give this a try, and post up your thoughts about Courvoisier if you want

Looked for Martell today, and couldn't find it at my local store. For whatever reason they don't have a huge selection of cognac right now.

**frenchfriedshrimp** · February 17th, 2008, 02:06 PM

I must agree. . . I opened my first bottle of Martell VS and fell in love! I look forward to trying more!

:

**zxlk21e** · February 20th, 2008, 06:38 PM

The Martell line is pretty consistent throughout. For being so young the taste of this particular bottle is quite complex. The VSOP is probably the best deal I've ran across, in regards to price/quality, so I'd recommend that for a first glass. Good review OP.

**Joey** · February 22nd, 2008, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zxlk21e

The Martell line is pretty consistent throughout. For being so young the taste of this particular bottle is quite complex. The VSOP is probably the best deal I've ran across, in regards to price/quality, so I'd recommend that for a first glass. Good review OP.

Thanks, and welcome to the site