Martell Noblige

Martell Noblige

Brandy: Cognac
From: ?
House: Martell
Style: Blend
Colour: Dark amber
ABV: 40%

N: brown paper, raisins, dried apples, pears, hints of cedar

M: Medium body, sticky, oily, round

T: Sweet. Fresh baked bread, raisins, pears, dried apples, cedar, hints of cloves

F: Medium. Fresh baked bread, dried apples, rolled oats, raisins

Comments:

This is more 'classic' Chinese banquet brandy. Plenty of fruit and woody spice, with some very interesting cereally hints on the tongue and on the finish. No surprise - Martell is very popular in Asia, and this is a slightly more posh entry level bottling (this particular one is probably VSOP). The master blender tailors the flavour profile to what the consumer likes, and in turn influences future generations of consumers to like this particular flavour profile.

I found it a pleasant experience, not overly complex, but familiar and bold. Not intense - it wouldn't go well with Cantonese cuisine if it were - but the flavours were distinct and clear. Only one layer though, since if you're going to eat at the same time as you drink, you're not going to have time to dig down (although I did try, delaying my dinner a little).

Verdict:

I like this.