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Some people refer to cognac as "liquid gold." Martell -- a company that has been producing the liquor from the cognac region in France since 1715 -- delivers on that promise with the introduction of a new $299 bottle.
Martell Creation Grand Extra announces its importance with a fancy name, a distinctive architectural bottle and that eye-popping price tag. This blend mixes some seriously aged brandies -- between 50 to 100 years old -- from two distinct regions: the Borderies and Grande Champagne. The cellar master uses this excellent source material so that he can play with a range of fruity, spicy, nutty, woody, and other flavors.
Indeed, this distinctly dark, caramel-amber colored spirit overwhelms the senses, in a good way, with a bouquet of dry fruits (figs, prunes, raisins). It is oily and full-bodied in the mouth, with an orange flavor that reveals, over a matter of seconds, hints of nut, pepper and other spices and wood. The finish lasts for minutes, coating the tongue, throat and gullet with silky smoothness. The cognac just tastes better with each sip. Over time, you might even forget what you paid for it.
-- James Oliver Cury
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