It's a sublimely opulent Cognac with intense rancio notes (smoky/nutty characters) that as Albert Tesseron says, "you never find in Cognacs less than two generations old". More viscous and dense in the mouth than the Légende, it's still remarkably sophisticated and (indescribably) complex, with prodigious length on the finish. Each sip fills the mouth with perfume. Sheer indulgence.

A balanced cognac, marked by an oaky taste. Its time spent ageing in a barrel infuses it with complex aromas along with notes of caramelised dried fruits and prunes. This tone adds a number of rich qualities to a cocktail.

We have selected this ‘Grande Champagne’ Premier Cru of 1992 to celebrate the 140th anniversary of Normandin Mercier business, founded in 1872. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it has been aged in authentic casks, made by the best Cognac coopers; using hundred-year-old oak trees from the estate ‘La Péraudière’ which were chosen in 1989 for the exceptional subtlety of their grain. The staves were left to dry in the open-air for three whole years, and from these wonderful casks, ‘La Péraudière’ cognac was born. Limited series of 1000 bottles.

Martell Blue Swift is the first-ever cognac VSOP matured in French oak barrels and finished in Kentucky bourbon casks. The delicate notes of candied fruit and plum, found in Martell VSOP, are complemented by the subtle sweetness of vanilla and toasted oak from the bourbon casks. The result is an exceptionally smooth interpretation of the Martell style, with a rounded taste and a unique character the most curious whiskey and cognac lover will enjoy discovering.

Tasting Notes: Nose: Touch of Almond, Bourbon Vanilla, Honey, White Pepper, and Jasmin. Palate: Powerful attack with volume and a lot of intensity. Finish: Soft and persistent ending. Notes of Licorice, Nuts and subtle notes of cloves.

It carries a little more earthy, woody spice than the Passion, with deeper, more mature candied fruit notes as well. There are also heady, deep, floral top notes, rich, spicy base notes, a velveteen texture and an extraordinarily long finish. Another stunning XO.