What is XO cognac?

There are numerous types of cognac glasses. Understanding which glass to choose when serving cognac plays an essential role in any Martell cognac tasting.

The best way to drink cognac neat is from a tulip glass. It has a narrower base than a balloon glass, and a slightly narrower opening, which helps to release all the aromatic strength of the cognac.

While the tulip glass is appropriate for all Martell cognac tasting, it is essential to fully enjoy Martell Cordon Bleu Extra, Martell Chanteloup XXO and L’Or de Jean Martell.
The balloon glass is widely used in Asia. It retains all the aromas which come from the cognac when served on ice or as a long drink.

The best glass for cocktails with cognac, long drinks or cognac on the rocks is often a tumbler or highball glass.

The best cognac glass is the classic, tulip-shaped glass, with 12 cL sufficient in size. Its tulip shape is designed to concentrate the aromas and help identify them. The glass should always be perfectly transparent in order to better appreciate the colour of the cognac, which is the starting point for any tasting. Always hold the glass by the stem or the foot (the rounded part that holds the glass upright on the table), and never by the base of the glass. Otherwise, the natural heat from the fingers or palm can amplify the alcoholic aspects and make the taste harder to appreciate.

Holding the glass by its stem also makes it easier to swirl the glass and let less volatile aromas express themselves.

Looking to choose a good cognac? Perhaps as a gift for someone who has everything, or to savour alone as a cognac on the rocks.

The world of cognac is complex, and may be bewildering to the uninitiated. When looking to buy cognac, the definition of a good cognac, depends on one’s personal taste.

Let’s look at some of the most common, and uncommon among the Maison Martell collection.

The Martell VSOP is subtle, elegant, and balanced, and an authentic expression of the Martell style. It is not uncommon to be served Martell VSOP as the base for simple cognac cocktails.

For something special, Martell Cordon Bleu is an icon in the world of cognac and beyond. This luscious and elegant cognac is a masterful blend of more than 100 eaux-de-vie.

A truly exceptional cognac is the Martell Chanteloup XXO. This Extra Extra Old cognac is a blend of 450 very old eaux-de-vie, which gives an unprecedented combination of richness and complexity,

Can’t decide between two bottles? Why not use Martell’s comparison tool to weigh the decision. Or use the Martell gift finder to find the special bottle, for that special person or occasion.

Looking to choose a good cognac? Perhaps as a gift for someone who has everything, or to savour alone as a cognac on the rocks.

The world of cognac is complex, and may be bewildering to the uninitiated. When looking to buy cognac, the definition of a good cognac, depends on one’s personal taste.

Let’s look at some of the most common, and uncommon among the Maison Martell collection.

The Martell VSOP is subtle, elegant, and balanced, and an authentic expression of the Martell style. It is not uncommon to be served Martell VSOP as the base for simple cognac cocktails.

For something special, Martell Cordon Bleu is an icon in the world of cognac and beyond. This luscious and elegant cognac is a masterful blend of more than 100 eaux-de-vie.

A truly exceptional cognac is the Martell Chanteloup XXO. This Extra Extra Old cognac is a blend of 450 very old eaux-de-vie, which gives an unprecedented combination of richness and complexity,

Can’t decide between two bottles? Why not use Martell’s comparison tool to weigh the decision. Or use the Martell gift finder to find the special bottle, for that special person or occasion.