Known for their elegance and sophistication, Martell cognacs are produced with the use of fine grained oak barrels and double distillation of clear wines without sediments that have become the signature of Martell’s fine taste. When a barrel is called “Red”, a reference to the reddish color of aged wood, it has aged before other eaux-de-vie during at least 2 years up to 8 years, reaching the perfect stage of maturation for both the wood and the spirit. For Martell VSOP aged in Red Barrels, our cellar master selected only these very rare “red fine grained oak barrels” to age this cognac, highlighting Martell specific ageing style. FOC: 2x Tumblr Glass Tasting notes : Color : A warm copper colour with glints of gold, giving it a uniquely luminous appearance. Nose : At first, the bouquet is round and fresh, run through by intense fruity notes. The aromas of fresh yellow stone fruits, like cherry plum and baby Reine-Claude, are gently coated by subtle mellowed woody notes. Once in motion, the power of its aromas grows and gains depth, with fleshier fruits such as apricot or vine peach chiming in. Palate : In the mouth, it has a full, broad attack and unveils the same intense fruity tones – small plums and honeymoon peaches and apricots. The fruity flavours are marvellously enhanced by delicate notes of sweet spices from the wood of the russet barrels – the very same barrels that create that perfect balance between the expressiveness of the eaux-de-vie and refinement of the spiced notes.