Martell XO Cognac 750ML is a premium extra-old cognac from France's oldest major cognac house, bottled at 40% ABV. Scored 90 points by Wine Enthusiast, this blend draws eaux-de-vie from four prestigious crus — Borderies, Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Fins Bois — resulting in a layered, full-bodied spirit that reviewer P.P. called "gorgeous" with a "sensational bouquet."Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Cognac, France | XO (Extra Old) | Distillery: Martell (est. 1715)Production & HeritageFounded in 1715 by Jean Martell, Maison Martell holds the distinction of being the oldest of the "big four" cognac houses. The spirit is double-distilled in traditional Charentais copper pot stills using predominantly Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano) grapes, with a heavy emphasis on fruit from the prized Borderies sub-region. What separates Martell from every other major cognac producer is its exclusive distillation of clear wines — all lees and sediments are removed before the liquid enters the still. This painstaking step yields eaux-de-vie with exceptional purity and refined grape aromatics, a signature that carries through the entire XO blend.Tasting NotesAroma: The opening is spicy and aromatic, with immediate impressions of black pepper, pink peppercorn, and coriander seed. These give way to deeper, richer layers of ripe fig, crushed walnut, sandalwood, butter cream, and a subtle marzipan sweetness that develops with time in the glass.Taste: The entry is rounded and fruity, with concentrated fig and walnut notes arriving first. The mid-palate broadens with red fruit, blackcurrant bud, spiced plum, and candied orange peel, while cocoa and toasted almond add weight and texture. Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie assert themselves here, delivering both power and finesse in equal measure.Finish: Exceptionally long and silken, with a stately, almost chunky presence that Wine Enthusiast specifically praised. A touch of rancio — that prized, aged nuttiness found in mature cognac — lingers in the aftertaste and elevates the final impression considerably.How to Drink Martell XONeat in a tulip glass at room temperature is the ideal serve; a few drops of water can open up the aromatic complexity without diminishing the finish. This cognac also performs exceptionally well in refined cocktails. A Sidecar benefits from the XO's fig-and-spice depth, which balances the citrus and triple sec beautifully. A Vieux Carré gains additional dimension from the rancio and walnut undertones. A Cognac Old Fashioned lets the fruit-forward mid-palate shine with minimal distraction from the spirit's natural complexity.Best For Gifting a cognac enthusiast or collector who values heritage maisons After-dinner sipping alongside dessert or a cigar Celebrating a milestone occasion such as an anniversary or promotion Building a home bar anchored by a benchmark XO expression Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Martell XO taste like? Martell XO delivers a rich, layered profile of fig, walnut, red fruit, and warm spice, underscored by cocoa, candied orange peel, and a distinctive rancio nuttiness on the finish. It is full-bodied yet refined, with a silken texture and exceptional length.How does Martell XO compare to Rémy Martin XO? Rémy Martin XO is often described as the more moderate and crowd-pleasing option, balancing brightness and weight in a benchmark style. Martell XO leans further into spice, fruit intensity, and the distinct purity that comes from its unique clear-wine distillation process, giving it a more pronounced aromatic profile.Is Martell XO good for sipping neat? Absolutely — neat service in a tulip glass is the recommended way to experience the full aromatic arc, from its peppery opening through the deep fig and walnut mid-palate to the long rancio-tinged finish.Where is Martell XO made? Martell XO is produced by Maison Martell in Cognac, France, the oldest of the four major cognac houses, founded in 1715. The eaux-de-vie are sourced from four crus: Borderies, Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Fins Bois.What foods pair well with Martell XO? Dark chocolate truffles complement the cocoa and walnut notes; aged Comté cheese mirrors the rancio character; foie gras with fig compote echoes the spirit's fruit profile; roasted duck with plum glaze plays off the spiced plum mid-palate; and almond-based pastries such as financiers extend the toasted nut finish.What sizes does Martell XO come in? The standard expression is widely available in a 750ml bottle, which is the most common format in the U.S. market.Is Martell XO worth the price? Martell XO positions as a premium XO cognac from one of the category's most historic producers, with a 90-point Wine Enthusiast score supporting its quality credentials. Within the XO tier, it represents strong value for drinkers who prize aromatic complexity and the distinctive house style that clear-wine distillation delivers.Why Martell XO?Martell's exclusive use of clear-wine distillation is a verifiable production distinction no other major cognac house can claim, and the XO expression is where that technique reaches its fullest expression. The blend's multi-cru sourcing — anchored by Borderies and Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie — creates a layered complexity that earned a 90-point score from Wine Enthusiast and genuine critical praise for its rancio depth. With over three centuries of uninterrupted production behind it, Martell XO carries the weight of the oldest name in cognac without relying on heritage alone. The spirit stands on its own merits: intense, pure, and unmistakably the product of a house that has refined its approach since 1715.
