When cognac-lovers and connoisseurs in the mid-19th century acquired their favoured cognac, it was traded not in bottles, but casks of fine-grained oak.
The tradition is honoured in a remarkable new collection of precious eaux-de-vie from Maison Martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses, exclusively offered in single casks.
Les Fûts Uniques de Martell is a truly singular release, exemplifying the House’s rich heritage and craftsmanship developed over 300 years of savoir-faire.
Every year a new selection will be offered, retaining the principle of a single cask of each eau-de-vie, with no eau-de-vie ever released twice.
For the inaugural offering, Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud has drawn four eaux-de-vie from the Réserve Héritage. This special reserve is marked for the quality and rarity of its eaux-de-vie and represents just 2% of Maison Martell’s library of 12,000 references.
Eaux-de-vie in Les Fûts Uniques de Martell are selected for their special connection to Maison Martell, produced either by members of the Martell family or the House’s most esteemed cellar masters.
Originating from the two most prestigious terroirs, the eaux-de-vie have been aged between 27 and 32 years in fine-grained oak casks, and looked after by successive generations of cellar masters until reaching aromatic fullness. This is expressed at a higher ABV than bottled cognacs, offering a singular tasting experience.
The connoisseur who acquires a cask of Les Fûts Uniques de Martell will enjoy a spectacular three-day experience in Paris and Cognac. This includes a private tasting of the eaux-de-vie with Christophe Valtaud in the Cellar Master’s Atelier, and tour of Martell’s historic cellars and archives with the House archivist.
They will also delight in a gastronomic experience created by three-starred Michelin chef Alexandre Mazzia at the Château de Chanteloup.
The chosen eau-de-vie will be transferred from oak cask to elegant montre bottles, a contemporary take on the traditional glass flasks used in the Cognac region. This is presented in an authentic wooden case, personalised to the acquirer’s taste – or for their lucky recipient.
From the prized Borderies terroir, this eau-de-vie reveals an airy, floral personality with luscious notes of blackcurrant and a hint of leather. It was produced by the Firino-Martell family and brought into the Martell reserve by the fifth Cellar Master, Patrick Raguenaud.
This eau-de-vie was produced by the Firino-Martell family and included in the Martell reserve by the fourth Cellar Master, Pierre Frugier. Its rich, fruity notes and remarkable long finish make it an outstanding expression of the sought-after Grande Champagne terroir.
Produced by the Firino-Martell family and introduced to the Martell reserve by the fourth Cellar Master, Pierre Frugier, this eau-de-vie from the Grande Champagne terroir has rich notes of dry fruit and dried flowers, and a full, mellow character.
Maison Martell’s esteemed third Cellar Master, François Chapeau, produced this eau-de-vie, which offers luscious notes of citrus fruit, noble woods and leather, and an aromatic richness characteristic of Grande Champagne.
PLEASE DO NOT SHARE WITH ANYONE UNDER 18. ENJOY MARTELL RESPONSIBLY.