Martell VSOP 70cl

Bright fruit, toasted nuts, and a little oak warmth, this VSOP is the kind of cognac that makes simple cocktails taste like you planned them.

• Nose: Dried apricot, ripe pear, orange peel, a whiff of violet, plus toasted almond and vanilla.
• Taste: Stone fruit and honeyed citrus up front, then caramel, baking spice (cinnamon, clove), and a nutty, lightly oaked mid-palate that keeps it lively.
• Finish: Long and warming, with lingering almond, cocoa powder, and a clean, grapey lift.

Why it deserves a spot on your shelf, it’s got layers without being fussy. You get fruit (apricot, pear), you get dessert vibes (vanilla, caramel), and you get that dry, toasty edge that stops it from turning cloying. It’s a proper “one bottle does a lot” pick for Cognac and Brandy fans who want flavour, not a sugar rush.

Where it really shines is in classic cocktails. A Sidecar gets brighter and more aromatic, the citrus pops and the nutty notes hang around. A French 75 riff with cognac instead of gin suddenly feels richer and more celebratory. Even a simple highball with soda gets a lift from those floral Borderies-style aromatics.

Martell is known for leaning into the Borderies cru, a small, sought-after corner of Cognac that can bring a more floral, rounded character compared to heavier, oak-first styles. Translation, you get elegance and fragrance, plus enough structure to stand up to mixers.

This is also a great “bridge” bottle if you’re whiskey-curious but want something fruitier, or if you like brandy but want more than just sweetness. It’s expressive, balanced, and easy to come back to, even when your bar cart starts getting crowded.

Fun Fact: Martell’s signature style is closely tied to the Borderies, the smallest Cognac cru, and one of the reasons their VSOP often reads more floral and almond-nutty than many classic blends.