Introduction
When I first heard Martell had created a 60-year-old Cognac as a tribute to Singapore’s 60th year of independence, I was immediately curious. A commemorative release of this age is not something you come across often, and knowing Martell’s heritage, I expected meticulous production and depth. It’s not every day you get to try a Cognac that spans six decades in oak.
Nose
On the nose, the age of this spirit reveals itself right away—rich layers of polished wood, worn leather, and dried fruits. There’s a subtle sweetness, but it’s not sugary—more like dark fig and prune preserves, with faint notes of walnut and tobacco leaf. As it opened up, I also picked up a slightly floral note—like dried rose petals—and a gentle cedar aroma that stayed consistent throughout. Very little heat, even after the first whiff, which surprised me for something this mature.
Palate
The first sip was incredibly soft, almost creamy in texture. No burn—just a slow, warming unfold of flavor. The influence of oak is front and center but doesn’t overwhelm; it’s deeply integrated with the fruit and spice character. Raisin, poached pear, light vanilla, and clove stand out before evolving into slightly earthier tones of dried mushroom and subtle rancio. The finesse here is impressive—nothing shouts, but each element is clearly etched.
Finish
The finish lingered for minutes—long and steady. The spice built slightly as it faded, but never aggressively. I was left with a balanced note of old leather books, almond skins, and lingering dried apricot. It’s not a flashy finish, more of a slow fade into quiet complexity. A faint echo of cinnamon bark appeared at the end, reminding me just how carefully composed this expression is.
Price and Value
This is clearly a luxury product, priced accordingly. Most of us won’t be buying this to drink regularly—if at all. But as a one-time tasting experience, especially tied to a specific moment in history, I found it justifiable. Martell has put obvious care into selecting and blending this Cognac, and the age alone—plus the rarity—makes it a justifiable splurge for collectors or serious enthusiasts. For the very limited few who obtain a bottle, the experience is deeply personal and worth savoring.
Background
Martell is one of the oldest houses in Cognac, established back in 1715. Known for their focus on Borderies eaux-de-vie and a lighter distillation style, their expressions often lean toward finesse over power. The 60-year-old bottling created for Singapore’s independence anniversary is a blend of extremely old Cognacs drawn from Martell’s private reserves. Just 100 bottles of this limited release were issued, making it not only rare in terms of age but also in availability. Details about the exact cask history were carefully guarded, but what we do know is that the blend includes spirits aged for at least six decades—dating back to the early 1960s, if not earlier. You can learn more about the house’s legacy at the official Martell website.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? In truth, I won’t have the chance—this was a rare pour shared by someone who’d secured a bottle. But if it were available, and I had the budget, I would certainly consider it again. Is it suitable for newcomers? Not necessarily—the nuances would likely be lost on an inexperienced palate. This is a spirit best appreciated slowly, by someone who has spent time with aged Cognacs or whiskies.
As for the kind of moment that suits this Cognac—it’s one for reflection. A quiet night, a small group, maybe a personal milestone. Comparing it to XO expressions from the same producer, this bottle shows significantly more restraint, elegance, and structure. While many luxury Cognacs aim for opulence, this one leans into maturity with quiet grace.