Martell turns up the heat with “most ground-breaking Cognac to date” for Chinese New Year

Martell is launching what it describes as “its most ground-breaking Cognac to date” for Chinese New Year.

Martell Cordon Bleu Intense Heat Cask Finish will make its debut on 1 January with DFS Group at Hong Kong International Airport.

The limited-edition Cognac will also be available for Chinese New Year at key travel retail locations on Hong Kong’s borders with Mainland China, plus Singapore, Taiwan, Shanghai, Beijing, Thailand and Malaysia. In Mainland China it is exclusive to travel retail, while in Hong Kong it is also available in the local market.

The recommended retail price is US$229 or the local equivalent.

“This carefully crafted Cognac is set to again redefine the conventions of Cognac” – Martell Cognac Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud

The launch celebrates Martell’s most renowned Cognac, Cordon Bleu. The blend has been matured for six months in casks subjected to intense heat, a method known as ‘chauffe crocodile’ that has never been used before at Martell.

The production method means that Cordon Bleu’s characteristic roasted notes of mocha coffee and toasted almonds are accentuated, complemented by sweet spicy notes of candied orange, cinnamon and honey.

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Turning up the heat: The blend has been matured for six months in casks subjected to intense temperatures, a method known as ‘chauffe crocodile’

To celebrate the launch, Martell has collaborated with leading London mixologist Clotilde Latailleo who created a tasting ritual inspired by wood and heat, as well as a signature ‘Intense Heat’ cocktail.

“Martell Cordon Bleu Intense Heat Cask Finish was created with the House of Martell’s core pillars of elegance, complexity and balance in mind,” said Martell Cognac Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud. “This carefully crafted Cognac which is also the embodiment of our House’s spirit of curiosity, is set to again redefine the conventions of Cognac.”

Martell Cordon Bleu Intense Heat Cask Finish is presented in a deep blue box embossed to replicate the crocodile leather-like pattern (charred wood effect) on the oak casks that results from the ‘chauffe crocodile’ toasting method. Invisible thermochromic inks, which react to heat, turn fiery red when the box is rubbed, creating the illusion of glowing embers.

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Reach for your blowtorch: The signature Intense Heat cocktail has been created by London mixologist Clotilde Latailleo

INTENSE HEAT COCKTAIL

  • 50ml Martell Cordon Bleu Intense Heat Cask Finish
  • 5ml burnt lavender syrup
  • Blend the Cognac and lavender syrup in a mixing bowl. Pour onto ice cubes in a rocks glass.

For the garnish, use a small blowtorch to burn a slice of orange for 10 seconds on a serving tray. Attach to the rim of the glass with a mini wooden peg.

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Crocodile rocks: The deep blue box is embossed to replicate the crocodile leather-like pattern on the oak casks that results from the toasting method. Invisible thermochromic inks, which react to heat, turn fiery red when the box is rubbed, creating the illusion of glowing embers.
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