Martell VS 375ML is a French VS cognac bottled at 40% ABV in a convenient 375ml format, produced by the oldest of the major cognac houses. This expression earned Gold at the 2023 Cognac Masters competition and 90 points from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, reflecting its consistent quality within the entry-level cognac tier.Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Cognac, France | VS (minimum 2 years aging) | Distillery: MartellProduction & HeritageFounded in 1715 by Jean Martell in the town of Cognac in France's Charente department, Martell is the oldest of the four major cognac houses. What distinguishes Martell from virtually every other significant producer is its exclusive use of clear-wine distillation — all lees are removed from the Ugni Blanc grape wine before it enters the copper pot stills for double distillation. This technique yields a cleaner, more refined distillate that relies more heavily on oak cask maturation — a minimum of two years for the VS designation — rather than on sediment-driven complexity during distillation. The result is a house style that prioritizes smoothness and fruit clarity over the heavier, more rustic character found in lees-distilled cognacs.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with stewed plum and baked raisin, moving into candied lemon and apricot. Underneath the fruit, subtle hints of violet flowers and vanillin add an elegant, perfumed layer.Taste: The entry is smooth and honeyed, with a luscious fruit core of mixed berries and baked apple arriving on the mid-palate. As the cognac develops, toasted wood, vanilla, light nut flavors, and baking spices emerge, balanced by a slightly bitter undertone that keeps the sweetness in check. The overall impression is juicy and well-structured for a VS expression.Finish: Medium in length with a soft, lingering sweetness and gentle warmth. Faint notes of milk chocolate and pie crust fade gradually, leaving a clean and rounded conclusion.How to Drink Martell VSNeat or over a single large ice cube works well given this cognac's fruit-forward smoothness, though the 375ml size also makes it an excellent candidate for cocktail experimentation. A Sidecar benefits from the bright plum and citrus notes, which complement Cointreau and fresh lemon juice without being overwhelmed. In a French Connection, the vanilla and nutty undertones pair naturally with amaretto for a simple two-ingredient sipper. A Cognac Sour takes advantage of the honeyed richness, which provides body and depth against egg white and citrus.Best For Exploring cognac for the first time without committing to a full 750ml bottle Building a home bar with a versatile brandy for cocktail mixing Bringing a quality spirit to a dinner party or small gathering Gifting a spirits enthusiast who appreciates French brandy traditions Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Martell VS taste like? Martell VS leads with honeyed stone fruit — plum and apricot — followed by vanilla, baking spices, and light toasted wood, finishing with a soft, lingering sweetness. Its clear-wine distillation gives it a notably smooth, fruit-forward profile compared to many VS cognacs.How does Martell VS compare to Hennessy VS? Both are VS cognacs from major houses, but Martell's exclusive clear-wine distillation produces a cleaner, more fruit-driven spirit, while Hennessy VS, which distills on lees, tends toward a richer, more robust profile with greater weight. Hennessy VS typically carries a higher price point, roughly 20% more than Martell VS at the same bottle size.Is Martell VS good for beginners? Yes — its smooth entry, balanced sweetness, and approachable fruit character make it one of the more accessible VS cognacs on the market. The 375ml format is especially practical for newcomers who want to sample quality cognac without a larger investment.Where is Martell VS made? Martell VS is produced at the Martell distillery in the town of Cognac, located in the Charente department of southwestern France. Martell was founded in 1715 and remains one of the oldest and most recognized cognac houses in the region.What foods pair well with Martell VS? Dark chocolate truffles complement the vanilla and cocoa undertones nicely. Aged cheeses like Comté or Gruyère match the nutty, toasty oak notes. Stone fruit desserts — such as a plum tart or apricot galette — echo the cognac's natural fruit character. Roasted duck or pork with a fruit glaze works well at the dinner table, and even simple charcuterie boards with dried figs and almonds mirror the spirit's sweet-and-nutty profile.What sizes does Martell VS come in? Martell VS is widely available in 375ml and 750ml bottles, with 1L and 1.75L formats also found in many markets.Is Martell VS worth the price? Martell VS positions as an entry-level cognac from one of the category's most historic houses, and its Gold medal at the 2023 Cognac Masters and 90-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge suggest strong quality relative to its accessible price tier. It delivers meaningful complexity for a VS expression, making it a solid value among branded cognacs.Why Martell VS?The defining differentiator here is Martell's insistence on distilling only clear wines — a practice no other major cognac house follows. That single production choice shapes everything about this spirit, pushing fruit and floral elegance to the forefront while letting careful oak aging supply structure rather than masking the distillate. The Gold at the 2023 Cognac Masters confirms that this approach delivers measurable quality even at the VS level. For anyone seeking a cognac that prioritizes purity and smoothness over brute intensity, Martell VS represents a well-credentialed starting point from the oldest name in the appellation.
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