300 years of audacity
History

300 years of audacity

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Martell is Born
1715

Jean Martell leaves his native Jersey and arrives in France to devote himself to developing the art of cognac. He travels the region in search of the finest eaux-de-vie and establishes ties with local winegrowers that will last for generations.

Martell is Born

Family Spirit
1753

After Jean Martell’s death in 1753, his widow Rachel Martell takes over Maison Martell, vowing to uphold his vision and integrity.

She manages the House according to an uncompromising philosophy: ‘I want only the best, without artifice’.

Family Spirit

Stars and Stripes
1783

In 1783, the Treaty of Paris recognizes the independence of the United States of America and the first shipment of Martell cognac makes its way to US shores: 87 units of Martell eaux-de-vie.

Stars and Stripes

An Exceptional Cognac
1808

An exceptional import license signed by King George III allows Martell Cognac to be imported into England during the continental blockade. A truly exceptional Cognac!

An Exceptional Cognac

VSOP is Born
1831

Frédéric Martell, Jean Martell’s great-grandson, first uses the ‘Very Superior Old Pale’ (VSOP) mention.

England is the first country to receive shipments of Martell VSOP. It has since gone on to become a symbol of refinement and savoir-faire throughout the world.

VSOP is Born

Returning Home
1838

Théodore Martell acquires the Château de Chanteloup, the spiritual home of the Martell family.

It is here that Maison Martell welcomes guests from all around the world.

Returning Home

Silver and Blue
1848

Martell markets its first bottles decorated with a silver and blue label produced by a Parisian printer. The label includes the text: ‘Old Brand’.

Silver and Blue

Asia and Beyond
1858

The renown of Martell Cognacs spreads internationally and the first shipments arrive in China.

Asia and Beyond

Fit for a King
1911

Martell cognac is served at the coronation of King George V of England.

Fit for a King

Cordon Bleu is Born
1912

Edouard Martell creates Martell Cordon Bleu, the first extra-old cognac to have its own name. It is officially launched at the prestigious Hôtel de Paris in Monaco. It goes on to become a legendary cognac, an icon of Maison Martell.

Cordon Bleu is Born

A Peace Offering
1918

Martell cognac is served during the signing of the World War I armistice in Compiègne, France.

A Peace Offering

Cognac on Ice
1935

Martell cognac hits the headlines when cognac connoisseur and famous explorer Paul-Emile Victor takes eights cases with him on a polar expedition.

Cognac on Ice

High Seas
1936

Martell Cordon Bleu is served on the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary, the world’s most luxurious transatlantic liner.

High Seas

An Extra Celebration
1956

Martell Extra is served during a gala dinner to celebrate the marriage of Prince Rainier of Monaco and US film star Grace Kelly.

An Extra Celebration

Royal Bleu
1957

A crystal carafe of Martell Cordon Bleu is presented by the French President to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in honour of her first official visit to France.

Royal Bleu

International Diplomacy
1971

A case of Martell Cordon Bleu is presented to Emperor Hirohito of Japan during his state visit to France.

 

International Diplomacy

Supersonic Cognac
1977

Passengers flying from Paris to New York on Concorde at twice the speed of sound still have time to savour Martell Cordon Bleu cognac.

Supersonic Cognac

Hollywood Stardom
1979

Martin Sheen‘s character in Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now enjoys a glass of Martell Cordon Bleu.

Hollywood Stardom

Special Service
1986

Martell Cordon Bleu is featured on the menu of a special Orient Express service between Venice and Copenhagen.

Special Service

XO is Born
2005

Martell launches Martell XO. Its power, intensity and distinctive arch-shaped bottle quickly make it a classic.

XO is Born

Luxury Associations
2006

Maison Martell joins the prestigious Comité Colbert, the association representing French luxury brands internationally through the promotion of French Art de Vivre.

Luxury Associations

Gold Standard
2009

Martell launches its ultimate cognac, L’Or de Jean Martell, the culmination of 300 years of passion and expertise.

Gold Standard

Prestigious Perspective
2011

Martell launches Martell Chanteloup Perspective, an ultra-prestige cognac that pays homage to generations of Martell Cellar Masters.

Prestigious Perspective

300 Years of Art de Vivre
2015

Maison Martell celebrates its 300th anniversary at the Palace of Versailles, a symbol of French Art de Vivre, with 300 guests from all over the world.

The House has been a benefactor of the Palace of Versailles since 2007.

300 Years of Art de Vivre

Single Vision
2016

Martell enriches its ultra-prestige range with the launch of the Single Estate collection, a tribute to the terroir of Cognac and the savoir-faire of its people.

Single Vision

A Classic is Reborn
2017

Martell launches Cordon Bleu Extra, a homage to the legendary original with an especially generous proportion of very old Borderies spirits. The birth of a new classic.

A Classic is Reborn

An Audacious Spirit
2017

Martell pays tribute to its historic ties with the United States with the launch of Martell Blue Swift, an audacious spirit made of  VSOP then finished in bourbon casks.

An Audacious Spirit

2020

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