House Founded in 1715

Country of Origin: France
Style: VS Cognac
ABV: 40%
Bottle Size: 70cl

Description

Martell VS Fine Cognac represents the heritage of the oldest of the great Cognac houses, combining over 300 years of craftsmanship with a signature style known for elegance, smoothness, and expressive fruit character.

Founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, Maison Martell has built its reputation through precision, innovation, and a distinctive approach to distillation and ageing.

Meaning “Very Special,” Martell VS showcases the house’s commitment to creating a refined and approachable cognac, balancing fresh fruit, delicate floral notes, and subtle French oak influence.

The Man Behind Maison Martell

The Martell story began in 1715 when Jean Martell, a young entrepreneur from Jersey, travelled to Cognac, France, and established what would become one of the most influential names in the world of spirits.

Settling along the banks of the Charente River, Martell developed close relationships with local winegrowers and distillers, carefully selecting eaux-de-vie that reflected the quality and character he wanted his house to represent.

Through international trading connections, particularly across the English Channel, Martell helped introduce fine French cognac to a wider audience.

Following Jean Martell’s death, his widow Rachel Martell continued his work, guiding the company forward at a time when female leadership in business was exceptionally rare.

Her determination helped preserve the independence and reputation of the Martell name for future generations.

The Oldest of the Great Cognac Houses

For more than three centuries, Martell has maintained its position as one of the most respected producers in Cognac.

Founded decades before many other famous houses, Martell helped shape the standards, techniques, and global reputation of French cognac.

Its philosophy has remained focused on elegance, balance, and allowing the natural character of the eaux-de-vie to shine.

The Craft Behind Martell VS

Martell’s distinctive house style comes from several carefully maintained traditions.

Unlike many producers, Martell focuses on distilling clear wines, where the lees are removed before distillation. This approach creates a cleaner, more refined spirit that highlights bright fruit aromas and delicate complexity.

The house is also strongly associated with eaux-de-vie from the Borderies cru — the smallest and rarest growing area within the Cognac region. This unique terroir contributes floral qualities, smoothness, and subtle nutty characteristics.

Martell ages its eaux-de-vie using fine-grained French oak barrels, including oak sourced from the Tronçais forest. This slower interaction between wood and spirit allows gentle maturation, adding refined oak notes without overwhelming the cognac’s natural elegance.

The Symbols of Martell

Every bottle of Martell carries details connected to the history of the house.

The famous swift emblem represents freedom, ambition, and the worldwide journey of Martell cognac from its French origins to international recognition.

The three hammers featured within the Martell family coat of arms reflect the heritage of Jean Martell and the traditions that shaped the company’s identity.

Together, these symbols represent craftsmanship, exploration, and over 300 years of history.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Fresh fruit aromas with notes of plum, apricot, citrus, soft spice, and gentle oak.

Palate: Smooth and elegant with orchard fruits, vanilla sweetness, subtle wood influence, and delicate nutty undertones.

Finish: Clean and refined with lingering fruit, soft spice, and a touch of toasted oak.

Perfect Serve

Martell VS can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or as the foundation for premium cognac cocktails.

For a refreshing long serve, pour 50ml Martell VS over ice, top with premium tonic or ginger ale, and garnish with a slice of orange to enhance its fruity and floral character.

For a classic cocktail serve, use Martell VS in a Sidecar, combining cognac, orange liqueur, and fresh lemon juice for a bright, balanced expression of this historic spirit.