Remember when the Scotch world was limited to Johnnie Walker, Dewar’s, Chivas, and Cutty Sark?

That wasn’t because dozens of single malt distilleries didn’t exist all across Scotland fifty years ago, but rather because each distillery sold its whisky to a blending house rather than releasing its own individual single malt brand. As a category, single malt whisky is a relatively new phenomenon!

The same situation has been at work in France’s Cognac region for the last century, with brands like Hennessy, Remy, Martell, and Courvoisier purchasing various brandies from smaller distillers in the area, and blending them into the products we know and love.

Only recently have smaller distillers begun venturing out on their own, releasing their self-distilled Cognacs under their brand labels, just like we’ve seen with single malt Scotch whisky over the last thirty years. Perhaps the most anticipated of those brands is the heralded Martingale Cognac, which launched recently in America to huge fanfare.

Developed by the Thomas family, a generations-deep distiller that has been producing Cognac for more than 100 years, Martingale is the first stand-alone release from the storied label. Historically, the Thomas family’s Cognac has been sold to the aforementioned blending houses, but with times (and tastes) changing, the younger generation thought it was time for Martingale Cognac to market itself on its own merit.

Free of any additional caramel coloring, sweeteners, or boisé, Martingale allows its heavy Borderies component (the sub-region known for fuller, fruitier Cognacs, as opposed to Grand Champagne and Petit Champagne) to shine through. That freshness and unbridled vibrancy stands in stark contrast to the overly-sweet and cloying characteristics we see in mass market Cognacs today. The Thomas family’s 600 hectare property spans between four of the main Cognac regions, giving it depth and differentiation within the blend from the various terroir-driven characteristics.

This first release of Martingale is brimming with white flower blossoms, vanilla, stone fruits, a distinctive nuttiness, and a vivacious lift of spice that leaves you wanting more with every sip. With its beautiful bottle and sleek, modern design, it’s clear that the Thomas family is going after a completely new generation of Cognac lover. We think they’re on the right track, as the clean, unadulterated flavors of Martingale are a far cry from the heavier, more wood-driven (and dare we say “artificially-enhanced”) elements from the big brands.

We think it’s one of the best new Cognac releases we’ve tasted in the last decade.

And…while other stores are selling the new Martingale for $120+, we’ve got it here at Mission for just $99.95 for a limited time only (price good through 6/11/24).

Buy your bottle of Martingale Cognac here!