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.
1715
MARTELL IS BORN
Jean Martell leaves his native Jersey and arrives in France to devote himself to studying and developing the art of cognac. He travels the region, searching for the finest eaux-de-vie and establishing ties with local wine-growers that will last for generations.
1753
FAMILY SPIRIT
After the death of Jean Martell in 1753, his widow Rachel Lallemand takes over the business, vowing to uphold his vision and integrity.
She manages the House according to an uncompromising philosophy, saying: ‘I want only the best, without artifice.’
1783
STARS & STRIPES
The Treaty of Paris recognizes the independence of the United States of America.
Overseas business continues to boom, with the first shipment to the USA: 87 units of Martell eaux-de-vie.
1808
A COGNAC OF EXCEPTION
An import license signed by King George III exceptionally allows Martell cognac to be imported into England during the continental blockade.
1800
1831
CLEARLY SUPERIOR
Frédéric Martell, Jean Martell’s great-grandson, first uses the ‘Very Superior Old Pale’ label.
The first country to receive shipments of Martell VSOP is England. This cognac has since become a symbol of refinement and savoir-faire throughout the world.
1838
WELCOME HOME
Théodore Martell acquires the Château de Chanteloup, the spiritual home of the Martell family.
It is here that the House of Martell welcomes guests and personalities from around the world.
1848
BONJOUR PARIS
Martell markets its first bottles decorated with a blue and silver label, produced by a Parisian printer.
The label bears the mention: ‘Old Brand.’
1858
ASIA AND BEYOND
The renown of Martell cognacs spreads internationally with the first shipments arriving in China.
French and British trade opens new Chinese ports to Europe.
1900
1911
JEWEL IN THE CROWN
Martell cognac is served at the coronation of King George V of England.
1912
CORDON BLEU
Edouard Martell creates Martell Cordon Bleu, a legendary cognac and the icon of the House of Martell.
It is the first extra-old cognac to have its own name and is officially launched at the prestigious Hôtel de Paris in Monaco.
1918
PEACE OFFERING
Martell cognac is served during the signing of the World War I armistice in Compiègne, France.
1936
HIGH SEAS
Martell Cordon Bleu is served on the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary, the world’s most luxurious transatlantic liner.
1950
1951
INTREPID EXPLORATION
Martell cognac hits the headlines when the famous explorer Paul-Emile Victor, a great connoisseur of cognac, takes eights cases with him on a polar expedition.
1956
CELEBRITY CELEBRATIONS
Martell Extra is served during a gala dinner to celebrate the marriage of Prince Rainier of Monaco to the US film star Grace Kelly.
1957
ROYAL ENCOUNTERS
Martell Cordon Bleu is served at a reception given at the Louvre by the French President in honour of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her first official visit to France.
1971
A STATELY AFFAIR
A case of Martell Cordon Bleu is presented to Emperor Hirohito of Japan during his state visit to France.
1980
1977
RECORD BREAKING
Passengers flying from Paris to New York on Concorde at twice the speed of sound still have time to savour Martell Cordon Bleu cognac.
1979
HOLLYWOOD CALLING
In the film Apocalypse Now , directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the character played by Martin Sheen enjoys a glass of Martell Cordon Bleu.
1986
THE TRIUMPHANT JOURNEY
Martell Cordon Bleu is featured on the menu of a special Orient Express service between Venice and Copenhagen.
2000
2005
NEW FAMILY
Martell launches Martell XO, famed for its arch-shaped bottle, an elegant, cosmopolitan cognac for those who dare to go further and fly higher.
2006
LUXURIOUS ASSOCIATIONS
The House of Martell joins the prestigious Comité Colbert, an association representing French luxury brands internationally through the promotion of French Art de Vivre.
2009
PURE GOLD
Martell launches its ultimate cognac, L’Or de Jean Martell, the culmination of 300 years of expertise and passion.
2011
A DESERVED ACCOLADE
Martell launches Martell Chanteloup Perspective, an ultra-prestige cognac paying homage to the Martell Cellar Masters.
2015
2015
TERCENTENARY
The House of 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.
2016
CRAFTSMANSHIP
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.
2017
EXTRAORDINARY COGNAC
Martell launches Cordon Bleu Extra, paying homage to the legendary original with an especially generous proportion of very old Borderies spirits.
2017
PIONEERING SPIRIT
Martell explores new territories of ageing savoir-faire and pays tribute to its historic ties with the United States with the launch of Martell Blue Swift, a VSOP finished in Kentucky bourbon casks.
