Martell Medaillon Liqueur Brandy Special Reserve Cognac
ABV: 40% (assumed) | Origin: Cognac, France

Martell Medaillon Liqueur Brandy Special Reserve Cognac is a distinguished and refined expression from the prestigious Martell house. This liqueur brandy is a blend of carefully selected eaux-de-vie, aged to perfection, resulting in a rich, smooth, and aromatic cognac. The flavor profile is complex, with notes of dried fruits, spices, and delicate hints of oak and vanilla, offering a deep, satisfying finish. Ideal for sipping neat or enjoying as part of an upscale cocktail, Martell Medaillon provides a luxurious and memorable drinking experience for cognac connoisseurs.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Bittersweet lime, liquorice, quince, raisin, and a hint of oak
• Palate: Soft crystallized fruit, hazelnut, vanilla, and subtle spice
• Finish: Long and round with lingering orange peel and nutty warmth

Production Details

• Distillation method: Double distilled in Charentais copper pot stills
• Cask type(s):
  • Aged in Tronçais oak barrels
• Special processes:
  • Blend of eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, and Fins Bois
  • Minimum 4 years aging, likely 5-10 years for Special Reserve status
  • Distilled without lees for finesse, a Martell hallmark
  • Likely bottled decades ago, reflecting vintage Cognac styles

Perfect For

• Collectors of rare, vintage Cognacs from historic houses
• Those who enjoy smooth, fruity VSOP with a retro twist
• Sipping neat to savor a piece of Martell’s storied past
• Pairing with classic dishes like roast poultry or fruitcake
• Gifting as a nostalgic nod to mid-century luxury

Expert Notes

• Médaillon VSOP honors Martell’s 1715 founding with a Louis XIV emblem
• “Liqueur Brandy” suggests an older label, possibly from the 1950s-1970s
• Special Reserve likely indicates a curated blend, richer than standard VSOP
• Martell’s Borderies influence adds floral elegance to the profile
• A snapshot of Cognac’s golden era, crafted by a 300-year-old house

Customer Reviews

• “Smooth and fruity—takes me back to old-school Cognac!” – Robert J. ★★★★★
• “Rich nutty finish; a treasure from the past.” – Diane L. ★★★★☆
• “Subtle and refined—great find for the price!” – Paul T. ★★★★☆

Interesting Facts

• Martell, founded in 1715, is the oldest major Cognac house
• “Médaillon” debuted in 1874, marking a VSOP legacy
• Vintage bottles often lack “Fine Champagne” on labels, unlike some peers
• Special Reserve was a premium tier in mid-20th-century exports
• Stored eaux-de-vie date back to 1830 in Martell’s secret cellars

Serving Suggestions

• Sip neat in a snifter to appreciate its vintage complexity
• Pair with almonds, dried fruit, or a classic Cognac cake
• Enjoy at room temperature to unlock its historical flavors
• Serve as a digestif to cap a nostalgic evening
• Try with a splash of water to enhance fruit notes

Distillery

• Martell, established in 1715 by Jean Martell, pioneered Cognac excellence
• Known for finesse, using Tronçais oak and Borderies eaux-de-vie
• Owned by Pernod Ricard, it blends tradition with global reach
• Based in Cognac, France, with a legacy spanning three centuries
• Médaillon reflects Martell’s early mastery of VSOP blends