Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac – The Blue Ribbon Standard of Excellence Since 1912

Updated → September 2025

Since 1912, Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac has set the gold standard for XO-quality cognacs, featuring a distinctive blend dominated by rare Borderies eaux-de-vie that delivers complex notes of crystallized plum, toasted almonds, and mocha coffee in every exceptional sip.

The Cordon Bleu Legacy: A Century of Excellence

When Edouard Martell created Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac in 1912, he wasn't just launching another premium spirit—he was establishing a new benchmark for cognac excellence that would endure for over a century. Named after the blue ribbon that symbolizes the highest standard of achievement, this cognac was destined from its inception to become legendary.

The creation story begins at the prestigious Hôtel de Paris in Monaco, where the inaugural launch introduced the world to a cognac unlike any other. Edouard, the great-grandson of Jean Martell who founded the house in 1715, understood that creating something truly exceptional required breaking from tradition. His vision was to craft a cognac that would satisfy even the most demanding connoisseurs, and the recipe he perfected remains unchanged to this day.

What makes this continuity remarkable is how Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac has maintained its relevance through dramatic shifts in taste preferences and drinking culture. From the roaring twenties through prohibition, from post-war celebrations to modern luxury experiences, this cognac has remained a constant symbol of refinement and excellence.

The Borderies Difference: What Makes This Cognac Unique

The secret to the distinctive character of Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac lies in its unprecedented use of Borderies eaux-de-vie. While most premium cognacs rely heavily on Grande and Petite Champagne grapes, Cordon Bleu features over 50% Borderies in its blend—a bold choice that defines its unique flavor profile.

The Borderies terroir is the smallest of the six cognac crus, covering just 4,000 hectares. Its distinctive clay and flint soil composition creates eaux-de-vie with intensely floral and fruity characteristics that are highly prized among cognac masters. These spirits develop a remarkable roundness and elegance during aging, contributing the smooth, mellow qualities that make Cordon Bleu instantly recognizable.

This terroir-driven approach represents a fundamental philosophy difference. Where other houses might focus on power and structure from the Champagne regions, Martell's emphasis on Borderies creates a cognac of exceptional finesse and aromatic complexity. The remaining blend incorporates carefully selected Grande and Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie, with a small percentage of Fins Bois adding additional depth and character.

A Sensory Journey: Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile

Pour a glass of Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac and you're immediately greeted by its deep golden copper color—a visual promise of the richness within. The initial nose reveals an explosion of orchard fruits, with crystallized plums and apples taking center stage, harmoniously balanced with roasted notes of mocha coffee, toasted almonds, and subtle vetiver.

As the cognac opens in the glass, tropical fruit notes emerge more prominently. Pineapple and mango dance alongside the initial fruit impressions, while a gentle banana note broadens the chocolate characteristics. What begins as milk chocolate evolves into deeper, darker cocoa notes, creating a fascinating progression of flavors.

On the palate, Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac delivers an exceptionally rounded, mellow sensation. The Borderies influence is immediately apparent in the elegant, well-balanced structure. Classic Christmas notes of raisin and prune mingle with overly soaked fruits in brandy, while sweet spices and gingerbread add festive warmth. The finish is impressively long, characterized by lingering fruit and spice notes with subtle tangy citrus undertones that provide a refreshing conclusion.

Production Secrets: The Art of Blending 150 Eaux-de-Vie

Creating Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac is an art form that requires blending over 150 different eaux-de-vie, each aged between 10 and 25 years. This extraordinary range of components allows the Cellar Master to create a cognac of remarkable depth and complexity while maintaining perfect harmony.

The aging process takes place in fine-grain French Tronçais oak barrels, chosen specifically for their ability to impart subtle tannins without overwhelming the delicate fruit characteristics. This wood selection is crucial—Tronçais oak contributes less aggressive tannins than other oak varieties, allowing the Borderies' floral and fruity notes to shine through while adding gentle spice and vanilla undertones.

Martell's unique approach extends to their distillation process. As the only major cognac house to exclusively distill clear wines (without lees), Martell creates particularly pure and elegant eaux-de-vie. This traditional method, passed down through nine generations, results in spirits that age exceptionally well and maintain their finesse even after decades in oak.

The role of the Cellar Master, currently Christophe Valtaud, cannot be overstated. Each batch of Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac must match the exacting standards set by Edouard Martell over a century ago, requiring an intimate knowledge of each component eaux-de-vie and how they will evolve together over time.

Historical Moments: From Queen Mary to Concorde

The history of Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac reads like a chronicle of the 20th century's most significant moments. In 1919, it was served during the Treaty of Versailles negotiations, marking the end of World War I. This prestigious selection established Cordon Bleu as the cognac of choice for momentous occasions.

The maiden voyage of the Queen Mary in 1936 featured Cordon Bleu prominently, introducing this exceptional cognac to a new generation of international travelers. The association with luxury ocean travel continued throughout the golden age of transatlantic crossings, cementing its reputation as the ultimate expression of refined taste.

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy received a bottle of Cordon Bleu as a diplomatic gift, highlighting its role in international relations. The cognac's presence at state dinners and diplomatic functions throughout the Cold War era demonstrated its universal appeal across cultural and political boundaries.

Perhaps most symbolically, Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac was chosen for the inaugural Concorde flight in 1977, representing the marriage of traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation. Even in popular culture, it has made memorable appearances, including Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now," where it symbolized the complexities of civilization in chaos.

Cordon Bleu vs Other XO Cognacs

While Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac technically qualifies as an XO based on its aging, Martell chooses to maintain its unique designation rather than categorizing it alongside other XO offerings. This decision reflects both historical tradition and the cognac's distinctive character.

Compared to Grande Champagne-focused XO cognacs from houses like Hennessy or Rémy Martin, Cordon Bleu offers a notably different profile. Where Grande Champagne XOs tend toward power, structure, and bold tannins, Cordon Bleu emphasizes elegance, roundness, and aromatic complexity. The high Borderies content creates a more approachable cognac that doesn't sacrifice depth for drinkability.

From a value perspective, Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac occupies an interesting position. Priced below most major house XO offerings but above VSOP categories, it represents exceptional value for those seeking XO-quality cognac without the premium pricing often associated with elaborate packaging. The focus remains firmly on the liquid itself rather than ornate decanters or presentation boxes.

Perfect Pours: How to Serve Cordon Bleu

The optimal way to experience Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac is neat, served at room temperature in a proper cognac snifter. The tulip shape concentrates the complex aromas while allowing sufficient surface area for the spirit to breathe. Pour approximately 30-40ml and allow it to rest for a few minutes before nosing.

For those who prefer a slightly diluted experience, a single splash of still water can open up additional aromatic compounds, particularly highlighting the tropical fruit notes. Some connoisseurs enjoy their Cordon Bleu over a single large ice cube, which provides gentle dilution while maintaining the cognac's essential character. However, avoid using multiple small ice cubes, which dilute too quickly and shock the delicate flavors.

Temperature plays a crucial role in the tasting experience. While room temperature (18-20°C) is ideal, warming the snifter gently in your palm can release additional volatile compounds, intensifying the aromatic experience. Conversely, slightly chilling the cognac can emphasize its fresh fruit characteristics, though this approach is less traditional.

Culinary Companions: Food Pairing Guide

The complex flavor profile of Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac makes it an exceptional companion to various culinary experiences. Its fruit-forward character and mellow finish complement both savory and sweet preparations, though careful pairing enhances both elements.

For savory pairings, consider rich, umami-driven dishes like aged Comté or Gruyère cheese, where the cognac's fruit notes provide refreshing contrast to the cheese's nutty complexity. Foie gras is a classic pairing, with the cognac's acidity cutting through the richness while its fruit complements the liver's subtle sweetness. Roasted duck with orange sauce creates a harmonious flavor bridge, echoing the cognac's citrus undertones.

On the sweeter side, dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao content brings out the cognac's deeper cocoa notes while providing textural contrast. Tarte Tatin or caramelized apple desserts mirror the orchard fruit characteristics, while toasted almond preparations highlight the nutty aspects. Traditional Christmas pudding or fruit cake creates an almost synergistic relationship, with the cognac amplifying the dessert's dried fruit and spice notes.

Special Editions and Limited Releases

Throughout its history, Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac has been reimagined through various special editions that celebrate both tradition and innovation. The Cordon Bleu Extra represents an even more luxurious interpretation, featuring older eaux-de-vie that deliver deeper complexity with notes of tarte Tatin, cinnamon, and candied orange peel.

Recent collaborations with contemporary artists have produced stunning limited editions. The 2025 Lunar New Year edition, designed by Chinese artist Wu Jian'an, transforms the classic bottle into a vibrant celebration of Eastern aesthetics while maintaining the timeless cognac within. The Art of Generosity edition by Mathilde de L'Ecotais features a striking royal blue design that emphasizes the cognac's premium positioning.

Martell has also experimented with innovative finishes, including the Intense Heat Cask Finish, which adds an additional maturation period in specially treated barrels to create new flavor dimensions. These limited releases allow collectors to experience familiar excellence through new perspectives while maintaining the core character that defines Cordon Bleu.

Awards and Industry Recognition

The consistent excellence of Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac has earned numerous accolades from the world's most prestigious spirits competitions. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition has been particularly generous with recognition, awarding Double Gold Medals in 2005, 2012, and 2016, along with Gold and Silver medals in intervening years.

The International Wine & Spirit Competition has consistently recognized Cordon Bleu's quality, including a Silver Medal in the highly competitive XO category in 2013. These awards reflect not just momentary excellence but sustained quality across different batches and years, testament to Martell's unwavering commitment to consistency.

Industry experts and critics consistently praise the cognac's balance and complexity. The distinctive Borderies character, often described as providing elegance and finesse, sets it apart in blind tastings where power and tannin often dominate. This critical acclaim reinforces what cognac enthusiasts have known for over a century: Cordon Bleu represents a unique achievement in the art of cognac making.

Investment in Excellence: Understanding the Value

When evaluating Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac, it's essential to understand what drives its premium positioning. The extensive aging of 10-25 years represents significant investment in inventory and storage, with angel's share evaporation claiming substantial volume over time. The rarity of quality Borderies eaux-de-vie adds another layer of value, as this smallest cru produces limited quantities of the distinctive spirits essential to Cordon Bleu's character.

Unlike some premium spirits that command high prices based on packaging or artificial scarcity, Cordon Bleu's value lies primarily in the liquid itself. The understated bottle design—unchanged for generations—reflects confidence in the product's intrinsic quality. For collectors and enthusiasts, this represents a more sustainable investment in actual quality rather than marketing presentation.

Market analysis shows Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac maintaining steady appreciation over time, particularly for vintage releases and special editions. However, the true value proposition remains the immediate enjoyment of world-class cognac that has maintained its excellence for over a century.

Cocktail Considerations: When to Mix, When to Sip

While Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac is primarily designed for neat consumption, the question of cocktails inevitably arises. Martell's official position is telling—their cocktail recommendations specifically exclude Cordon Bleu, suggesting it's too refined for mixing. However, for those who insist on experimentation, certain classic cognac cocktails might work.

The Sidecar, with its balance of cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, could potentially showcase Cordon Bleu's citrus notes, though purists would argue the subtleties would be lost. Similarly, a Sazerac made with Cordon Bleu would create an exceptionally luxurious version of the classic, though at considerable expense for marginal improvement over a quality VSOP.

The consensus among experts is clear: mixing Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac is akin to cooking with vintage wine—technically possible but missing the point entirely. The complex interplay of flavors developed over decades of aging deserves appreciation in its pure form.

The Collector's Guide to Cordon Bleu

For collectors, Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac offers several avenues for building a meaningful collection. Vintage releases, though rare, command premium prices and represent specific moments in the cognac's evolution. Special editions, particularly artist collaborations, combine the liquid's excellence with collectible packaging that appreciates over time.

Storage considerations are crucial for maintaining collection value. Cognac bottles should be stored upright to prevent cork degradation from alcohol contact. Temperature should remain constant between 15-20°C, with minimal light exposure to prevent oxidation. Unlike wine, unopened cognac doesn't improve in bottle, but proper storage prevents deterioration.

Authentication becomes important when purchasing older bottles. Original Cordon Bleu bottles feature specific markings, including the embossed script on the bottle bottom and the medallion at the neck. The blue cloth label should show appropriate aging consistent with the claimed vintage. When in doubt, purchasing from reputable sources with proven provenance ensures authenticity.

Expert Buying Tips and Storage Recommendations

When purchasing Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac, several factors ensure you're getting the best value and quality. First, examine the bottle condition—the seal should be intact, the label unblemished, and the fill level appropriate (cognac evaporates slowly even through sealed bottles).

Price variations between retailers can be significant, so comparison shopping pays dividends. However, extremely low prices should raise suspicion about authenticity or storage conditions. Reputable retailers like West Street Wine & Spirits maintain proper storage conditions and can provide guidance on recent bottlings versus older stock.

Once purchased, proper storage extends enjoyment potential. After opening, cognac remains stable for several months if properly resealed and stored away from light and heat. Unlike wine, opened cognac doesn't rapidly deteriorate, though subtle aromatic compounds may dissipate over extended periods. For optimal enjoyment, consume opened bottles within 6-12 months.

Creating the Ultimate Cordon Bleu Experience

The perfect Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac experience extends beyond simply pouring and sipping. Setting plays a crucial role—choose a quiet environment free from competing aromas like candles or flowers that might interfere with the cognac's complex bouquet. Soft lighting and comfortable seating encourage the contemplative mood that best appreciates fine spirits.

Timing matters as well. While Cordon Bleu traditionally serves as an after-dinner digestif, many enthusiasts enjoy it as an aperitif, finding its fruit-forward character stimulates rather than concludes appetite. Late evening remains the classic choice, when the day's activities have concluded and time stretches luxuriously ahead.

Consider the ritual elements that enhance enjoyment. The ceremony of selecting the proper glass, the careful pour, the initial visual appreciation of color and viscosity—these preparatory moments build anticipation. Allow the cognac to rest while engaging in conversation or quiet reflection, then approach the first nose with intention. The initial sip should be small, coating the palate to awaken taste receptors before taking a more substantial taste.

Sharing Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac with fellow enthusiasts multiplies pleasure through shared discovery. Comparing tasting notes reveals how individual palates perceive different elements, enriching understanding. Whether celebrating special occasions or simply acknowledging life's quiet victories, Cordon Bleu transforms moments into memories.

For those seeking to deepen their appreciation, maintaining tasting notes helps track the cognac's evolution both in bottle and across different occasions. Note how temperature, mood, and accompanying foods influence perception. Over time, these observations build a personal relationship with this exceptional spirit, revealing new facets with each encounter.

Ultimately, Martell Cordon Bleu Cognac represents more than a premium spirit—it embodies a philosophy of excellence maintained across generations. From Edouard Martell's original vision to contemporary expressions, this cognac continues to define what's possible when tradition meets unwavering commitment to quality. Each bottle carries forward a legacy that began in 1912, inviting you to become part of a story that shows no signs of concluding.