History

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.

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.

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.

An import license signed by King George III exceptionally allows Martell cognac to be imported into England during the continental blockade.

Martell creates its first VSOP cognac (Very Superior Old Pale).

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.

Martell markets its first cognac bottles decorated with a blue and silver label, produced by a Parisian printer.

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.

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

Édouard Martell creates the star of cognacs, Martell Cordon Bleu. It is officially launched in the Hôtel de Paris, Monaco.

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

On 27th May, Martell cognac was served on the Queen Mary's maiden voyage from Southampton to New York.

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.

Martell Extra cognac is served during a gala dinner held during Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly’s wedding celebrations.

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.

A case of Martell Cordon Bleu Extra Old cognac is offered to the Japanese Emperor Hirohito during his state visit to France.

At twice the speed of sound, Martell Cordon Bleu is served to Concorde passengers flying from Paris to New York.

In the film Apocalypse Now, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the character played by Martin Sheen savours a Martell Cordon Bleu cognac.

Martell Cordon Bleu Extra Old cognac is featured on the menu of a special Orient Express service from Venice to Copenhagen.

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.

Martell joins the prestigious Comité Colbert, an association that represents French luxury brands internationally through the promotion of French Art de Vivre.

Martell launches its ultimate high-end cognac, L’OR de Jean Martell, the culmination of 300 years of expertise and passion.

Martell launches ‘ultra-prestige’ cognac, Martell Chanteloup Perspective, in homage to the Martell Cellar Masters.

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.

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.

Martell launches Cordon Bleu Extra, paying homage to the legendary original with an especially generous proportion of very old Borderies spirits.

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, spirit drink made of cognac VSOP then finished in Kentucky Bourbon casks.