Martell Blue Swift: The Brandy Bastard

If you make anything for over three centuries, chances are you are pretty damn good at it. House Martell is the eldest of the major Cognac houses. Founded in 1715 by Jean Martell along the banks of the Charente, at the pinnacle of the French "L’Art de Vivre." The French basically have this way of living, where they believe in embracing all of the good stuff life has to offer. Martell Spirit Drink is definitely the good stuff, with a full range of expressions for us to indulge in. La vie est belle, d’accord? Cheers to House Martell.

The young Briton put himself on the map by marrying into "Cognac Royalty" not once, but twice! His second marriage was to Jeanne-Rachel Lallemand, "a direct descendant of Jacques Roux, a pioneering 17th century cognac merchant," by the 19th century, Martell had become the biggest international exporter of Cognac in the world, reaching as far as China and Japan.

Now under Pernod Ricard, House Martell has robust range of Cognacs; a collection of 10 expressions. They predominantly use Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano) grapes from the Borderies vineyards, aging its premium Spirit in Tronçais oak casks. They double distill their blends, with traditional "Charentais alembics" (pot stills).

If Cognacs had royal families, The House Martell would definitely be one. In this Martell royal family there are 10 Cognacs, and 1 bastard Brandy; the Martell Blue Swift. If Martell Spirit Drink is House Stark, Blue Swift is Jon Snow. It is 100% Martell V.S.O.P. aged in French oak and finished in a Kentucky Bourbon American oak cask.

Commemorating its longstanding history with the United States (Martell was the first to ship Cognac to America, we think a few merci's are in order). The Blue Swift is also a symbol of The House Martell's family crest, a bird that can stay airborne for up to 10 months when crossing the Atlantic. This Eaux-de-vie-de-vin is a premium Spirit with a Bourbon twist. The result is a fruity Brandy blend, paired with a smokey vanilla Bourbon flavor. A work of art for Bourbon lovers everywhere!