Martell XO Cognac

Martell XO Cognac is an ultra-premium expression from France's oldest major Cognac house, showcasing more than 300 years of craftsmanship in every pour. Masterfully blending eaux-de-vie from the prestigious Grande Champagne and the rare Borderies cru, it offers exceptional elegance, complexity and balance. Presented in its instantly recognisable sculptural decanter, Martell XO is an outstanding Cognac for collectors, milestone celebrations and luxurious gifting.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Deep amber with shimmering copper highlights, Martell XO opens with elegant aromas of cracked black pepper, coriander and sandalwood layered over ripe figs, walnuts and dried fruits. The palate is remarkably silky, revealing rich berry compote, subtle beeswax, toasted nuts and warming spices carried by the structure of Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie. An exceptionally long finish lingers with leather, sweet spice and refined oak, leaving a sophisticated impression worthy of one of Cognac's great XO expressions.

Key Details

• Producer: Martell
• Type: XO Cognac
• Region: Cognac, France
• Age Classification: Extra Old (XO)
• ABV: 40%
• Volume: 700ml
• Serve: Neat, or with a splash of water in a traditional tulip glass

Craftsmanship & Story

Founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, Maison Martell is the oldest of the great Cognac houses and has spent more than 300 years perfecting an elegant, fruit-forward style. Unlike most producers, Martell double-distils only clear wines, creating exceptionally pure eaux-de-vie that highlight freshness and finesse. The house is renowned for its long-standing relationship with the rare Borderies cru, whose floral, rounded character has become a signature of Martell Cognacs. Patient maturation in fine-grained Tronçais oak barrels allows delicate fruit, gentle spice and refined oak to develop in perfect harmony, producing Cognacs admired worldwide for their balance, complexity and timeless sophistication.

Special Features

Martell XO showcases the house's signature marriage of powerful Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie with the elegance of the rare Borderies cru, creating remarkable balance and depth. Distilled exclusively from clear wines and matured in fine-grained Tronçais oak, it delivers exceptional purity with layers of dried fruit, sweet spice and refined oak. Completing the experience is its iconic sweeping decanter, a contemporary design that has become one of the most recognisable bottles in luxury Cognac and an impressive centrepiece for gifting or collecting.

Ageing & Maturation

Martell XO is blended from carefully selected eaux-de-vie matured for approximately 10 to 35 years in fine-grained Tronçais oak barrels. Gentle maturation preserves the floral elegance of Borderies while allowing Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie to develop rich layers of dried fruit, spice and refined oak, resulting in a beautifully balanced Cognac with exceptional depth and length.

Recognition & Accolades

Martell XO continues to earn international acclaim from leading spirits competitions and critics, reflecting the house's centuries of expertise and its reputation as one of the world's benchmark Extra Old Cognacs.

• Double Gold – International Spirits Challenge, 2025
• Double Gold – Singapore World Spirits Competition, 2025
• Best Cognac & Best in Show Brandy – Singapore World Spirits Competition, 2024
• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2024
• Gold – International Spirits Challenge, 2024
• Gold Medal – Cognac Masters, 2017
• 92/100 Points – Wine-Searcher Critic Aggregated Score

These accolades reinforce Martell XO's standing as one of the world's finest luxury Cognacs, admired for its exceptional balance, elegance and remarkable consistency.

Serving Suggestions & Cocktail Pairings

Martell XO is first and foremost crafted to be savoured neat, allowing its remarkable depth, elegance and complexity to unfold gradually in the glass. Served in a traditional tulip glass—either at room temperature or with a small splash of water—it reveals layers of dried fruit, delicate spice and refined oak with every sip. For those wishing to experience a different side of this exceptional Cognac, it also lends itself beautifully to a select collection of classic cocktails and elegant aperitif serves.

• The XO Sidecar – Bright citrus and premium orange liqueur create a timeless classic that beautifully showcases Martell XO's luxurious fruit, honeyed richness and elegant oak.
• The Grande Sazerac – A sophisticated interpretation of the New Orleans classic, where delicate absinthe and aromatic bitters reveal layers of leather, sweet spice and polished wood.
• The Vieux Carré – Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth and Bénédictine combine with Martell XO to create a velvety, spirit-forward cocktail layered with dried fruit, walnut and cocoa.
• The French 75 Royale – Champagne transforms Martell XO into an elegant aperitif, lifting its delicate floral Borderies character with crisp citrus freshness and fine bubbles.
• The Crimson Boulevardier – Campari and sweet vermouth provide a refined bittersweet contrast that enhances the Cognac's mature fruit, gentle spice and refined oak.
• The Amber Highball – Premium ginger ale, sparkling water and fresh orange create a refreshing long serve that accentuates Martell XO's vibrant fruit and lingering spice.

Whether enjoyed neat as an after-dinner indulgence or explored through these elegant classics, Martell XO delivers the remarkable refinement and timeless craftsmanship that have defined Maison Martell for more than three centuries.

Food Pairings

Martell XO is an exceptional partner for refined dining. Roasted duck breast with blackberry reduction or slow-cooked venison beautifully complements its rich structure, whilst mature Comté, aged Gouda or creamy Roquefort enhance its elegant nutty character. For dessert, pair with Madagascan dark chocolate, pralines or walnut tart to reveal layers of dried fruit, sweet spice, polished oak and silky cocoa that linger gracefully on the palate.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Elegant, iconic and steeped in more than three centuries of French craftsmanship, Martell XO is an outstanding gift for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and corporate occasions. Its striking sculptural decanter and beautifully refined character make it equally impressive displayed in a collection or savoured slowly as an indulgent after-dinner Cognac.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order Martell XO Cognac online for fast NZ-wide delivery. Every bottle is carefully packed with a choice of premium packaging options and the opportunity to include a personalised gift message, creating a memorable gifting experience from COVE 27.