The oldest of the great Cognac houses. 300 years of passion and precision passed down through the Martell family. From generation to generation, a celebration of French Art de Vivre, treasuring the beauty and pleasure of every moment. A rich history honouring craft and taste, with Martell cognacs enjoyed and cherished for three centuries - from regal coronations to Hollywood films, intrepid polar expeditions to royal weddings, and far beyond.

A DESERVED ACCOLADE
Martell launches ‘ultra-prestige’ cognac, Martell Chanteloup Perspective, in homage to the Martell Cellar Masters.
PURE GOLD
Martell launches its ultimate high-end cognac, L’OR de Jean Martell, the culmination of 300 years of expertise and passion.
LUXURIOUS ASSOCIATIONS
Martell joins the prestigious Comité Colbert, an association that represents French luxury brands internationally through the promotion of French Art de Vivre.
NEW FAMILY
Martell launches its new Martell XO cognac. 2 years later, Martell Création Grand Extra joins the family, with a decanter created by renowned glass-designer and artist Serge Mansau.

1975
A STATELY AFFAIR
Martell Cordon Bleu Extra Old cognac is featured on the menu of a special Orient Express service from Venice to Copenhagen.
HOLLYWOOD CALLS
In the film Apocalypse Now, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the character played by Martin Sheen savours a Martell Cordon Bleu cognac.
RECORD BREAKING
At twice the speed of sound, Martell Cordon Bleu is served to Concorde passengers flying from Paris to New York.
A STATELY AFFAIR
A case of Martell Cordon Bleu Extra Old cognac is offered to the Japanese Emperor Hirohito during his state visit to France.

1950
ROYAL ENCOUNTERS
Martell Cordon Bleu is served at a reception given by the French President in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Château de la Celle Saint-Cloud and at the Musée du Louvre.
CELEBRITY CELEBRATIONS
Martell Extra cognac is served during a gala dinner held during Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly’s wedding celebrations.
INTREPID EXPLORATION
Martell cognac hits the headlines when famous explorer Paul-Emile Victor, a great connoisseur of cognac, takes eight cases with him on a polar expedition.

1900
HIGH SEAS
On 27th May, Martell cognac was served on the Queen Mary's maiden voyage from Southampton to New York.
CORDON BLEU
Édouard Martell creates the star of cognacs, Martell Cordon Bleu. It is officially launched in the Hôtel de Paris, Monaco.
JEWEL IN THE CROWN
Martell cognac is featured at the coronation of King George V of England.

1800
ASIA AND BEYOND
Martell’s renown spreads internationally during the next ten years, with the first exports arriving in Japan and other Asian markets, such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Korea.
BONJOUR PARIS
Martell markets its first cognac bottles decorated with a blue and silver label, produced by a Parisian printer.
WELCOME HOME
The family buys the Château de Chanteloup, the iconic home of Martell. Throughout the next two centuries, the château will welcome personalities from around the world.
DELICIOUSLY SUPERIOR
Martell creates its first VSOP cognac (Very Superior Old Pale).

1700
SONS, STARS & STRIPES
Rachel hands the flourishing business to her two sons, Jean and Frédéric. Overseas business continues to boom, with the first shipment of cognac to the US soon following.
FAMILY SPIRIT
For nearly 40 years, Jean Martell devotes himself to studying and developing the art of cognac. He travels the region searching for the finest eaux-de-vie, creating bonds with local growers that will last generations. After his death in 1753, his widow Rachel takes over the business, vowing to uphold his attention and integrity.
MARTELL IS BORN
French Art de Vivre is at its height. Gastronomy, taste and craftsmanship are exalted, celebrating the beauty and pleasure of every moment. It is this culture of refinement and expertise that Englishman Jean Martell finds on arriving in France, having left his hometown of Jersey to start trading eaux-de-vie in Cognac.