Martell Blue Swift

Martell Blue Swift celebrates history by breaking with tradition. In 1783, the Pernod Ricard-owned distillery became the first house to ship Cognac to the United States. The newest expression of the Maison’s French brandy is the first ever to be finished in ex-Bourbon oak barrels.

Made by taking Martell VSOP cognac aged in French oak casks and finishing it in American oak barrels previously used to age Kentucky Bourbon, Blue Swift features the hints of oak often found in the American Whiskey style. It’s bottled at 40% ABV.

On the nose, the copper colored Cognac features notes of banana and caramelized pear mixed with subtle vanilla, coconut, and spices. The full and generous palate possesses flavors of giner and candied fruit, along with toasted oak from the Bourbon casks. It’s a Brandy that will certainly entice Whiskey lovers.

It’s a spirit that can be enjoyed on its own, over ice, lengthened with a mixer or in a cocktail. If you’re looking to mix something up, the House recommends a Swift Julep:

Swift Julep

50 ml Martell Blue Swift
10 Fresh mint leaves
10 ml Sugar syrup
1 Mint bouquet
Berries

Press the mint leaves in a julep cup with a flat-end barspoon or a muddler. Add Martell and sugar syrup and fill with crushed ice. Stir well until the cup is well frosted. Garnish with berries and a mint bouquet.

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Founded by Jean Martell in 1715, Martell is one of the original Cognac houses. From the start, the house has given specific attention to the grapes from the Borderies subregion and the use of Tronçais oak for its casks. This differentiates it from many other French Brandies, who focus on eaux de vie made from grapes grown in Fine Champagne (the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne regions). The House was purchased by Seagram in 1987, which was in turn bought by Pernod Ricard in 2001, who now owns the brand.

Other products in their range include Noblige Cognac, Cordon Bleu, VSOP Medallion, XO, Perspective Martell Chanteloup, Création Grand Extra, Cohiba, and L’Or de Jean Martell.