Introduction
Every once in a while, a bottle comes along that puts pause to your usual pace — one that asks for silence, a comfortable chair, and a moment to take in its history. When I got the chance to taste Martell’s 60 Year Old Cognac, I approached it with quiet respect. Produced in tribute to Singapore’s 60th year of independence, this limited edition isn’t just old — it’s deliberate, crafted from eaux-de-vie aged six full decades. I wasn’t expecting fireworks, but I was curious to see how those years had shaped what was inside the bottle.
Nose
Right away, the nose made its age known. There’s a dense, almost meditative richness to it — layers of polished oak, dried apricot, and subtle floral notes that reminded me of wilted orchard blossoms rather than fresh petals. The fruit is restrained, leaning more toward fig and prune, with a faint balsamic edge. After letting it breathe, more complexity surfaces: antique leather, a touch of wax, and an almost earthy tobacco quality. It’s an aroma you don’t rush.
Palate
On the first sip, what struck me most was the texture — unhurried, slightly oily, with a pleasing weight that anchors each flavour. Despite the age, the balance remains intact. Dark fruits take the lead — think date, raisin, a little stewed apple — backed by warm spices like nutmeg and a trace of Szechuan pepper. Oak is ever-present but not overly dominant; it frames the flavours rather than pushing them aside. There’s an elegance to the mouthfeel — not vibrant or punchy — but rounded and precise, with every element in its place.
Finish
The finish is long, shifting slowly through toasted almonds, pipe tobacco, and a restrained sweetness that fades into something drier and slightly earthy. I noticed what felt like a touch of cedar towards the end — that kind of old-wood warmth that lingers without becoming bitter. Overall, it offered a graceful close to a very mature dram.
Price and Value
This isn’t a bottle meant for everyday contemplation — nor is it priced that way. As a limited edition, with only 240 decanters produced, it's positioned squarely in the collector territory. But for those who value craftsmanship and the quiet depth that comes with time, it holds its own. From a pure quality perspective, it justifies its rarity, though I'd say the price reflects its symbolic significance as much as its flavour.
Background
Martell, established in 1715, is one of the oldest of the major Cognac houses and has long been respected for focusing on the Borderies cru — known for producing elegant, floral eaux-de-vie. For this 60th anniversary tribute bottling, the producers selected eaux-de-vie from the Grollet estate, carefully aged in fine-grain Troncais oak barrels for six decades. Each decanter comes in a lacquered wood case, and only 60 bottles have been allocated for sale in Singapore, marking its independence milestone.
More can be found at the official Martell website.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? Realistically, it’s not the kind of release I’d buy more than once, but having tasted it, I’d certainly remember it. It’s quietly powerful and doesn’t lean on gimmicks or sweetness to impress.
Is it suitable for someone new to Cognac? Not really — I think its nuances are best appreciated by those familiar with well-aged spirits. It’s contemplative rather than expressive.
This whisky feels most at home during a moment of reflection or as a gift with genuine intent. It isn't a casual pour, but one reserved for when circumstance meets occasion.
Compared to other prestige Cognacs I’ve tried, this one feels decisively mature and well-integrated. It's less about big fruit or caramel notes, and more about patience, structure, and elegance shaped by time.