A defining moment: Maison Martell presents the daring new Martell XO

October, 2019

Maison Martell has unveiled its emblematic Martell XO cognac with a striking new design that further enhances its prestige. The distinctive arch-shaped bottle – so famous that, in some countries, it is referred to simply as “the arch” – has been thoroughly updated, with cleaner, more dynamic lines and refined brushed-gold trim conveying the energy and elegance of Martell XO.

The daring new Martell XO was revealed on 18 October 2019 in Shenzhen. With its bold, contemporary design and uniquely intense, powerful taste, Martell XO is an expression of the audacity of Maison Martell, which – throughout its 300-year history – has challenged convention in order to set new standards. This spirit speaks to cognac lovers whose own drive and daring have set them on the path to success. Indeed, the advertising campaign which accompanies the new design evokes those “defining moments” – audacious decisions and decisive actions – which can change the course of a life.

Martell XO is Maison Martell’s signature interpretation of the prestigious Grande Champagne terroir.

The power and intensity characteristic of Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie are uniquely revealed by the House’s specific double distillation of exclusively clear wines and ageing in barrels of fine-grained oak. Their forceful character is balanced by the elegance of eaux-de-vie from the rare Borderies cru, with which Maison Martell is historically associated.

Martell XO is thus instantly recognisable for its exceptional combination of power and finesse: on the nose, it is distinguished by a piquant, spicy sensation with notes of black and pink pepper and coriander, rounded out by rich aromas of fig, walnut and sandalwood; on the palate, intense notes of fig, red fruit and blackcurrant bud lead into an exceptionally long, robust finish.

The launch in Shenzhen was attended by the acclaimed actor, singer, entrepreneur and chef Nicholas Tse, who has recently been named a Martell Ambassador in Asia. His charismatic personality and outstanding achievements embody the daring spirit of Martell XO, the cognac that marks life’s defining moments.

About Maison Martell

Maison Martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses, was founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, a native of Jersey. For three centuries, Martell has produced, exported and marketed cognacs which are recognized worldwide for their outstanding quality. The identity of Maison Martell is founded on three key notions: elegance, complexity and harmony. Maison Martell was established during the golden age of French art de vivre, when gastronomy, oenology and craftsmanship attained great heights of refinement. These became the three pillars of the House and remain intrinsic to its vision 300 years later.

Men wearing a black suite
Nicholas Tse - Martell Ambassador
Men wearing a black suit in a Martell bar and holding a glass of cognac
Nicholas Tse - Martell Ambassador
Men standing in the middle of a room with golden party lights shining
Nicholas Tse - Martell Ambassador
Bottle of Cognac Martell on a geometric blue and white background
XO - Maison Martell