With more and more American bourbon drinkers cozying up to Cognac, Martell decided to create a game-changing spirit to set a new standard for the future. Martell, of course, is the oldest of the great Cognac houses, founded by Jean Martell in 1715. It was likewise the first Cognac company to ship barrels from France to the United States, with them arriving on our shores in 1783. In 2016, the brand wanted to honor this long-standing international relationship with an original interpretation and a modern expression saluting the pioneering spirit of Maison Martell.
Thus, the question was asked: “What would happen if we finished Martell Cognac VSOP in Kentucky bourbon casks?”
The result was Martell Blue Swift, the first ever spirit made with Martell VSOP cognac, matured in fine French oak barrels before taking the audacious final step of being finished in bourbon casks, giving it an unique and exceptionally smooth taste. (Once put into bourbon barrels, it can no longer be called a Cognac.) The eaux-de-vie are created using the house’s signature double distillation of exclusively clear wines. The liquid is of exceptional quality, meaning it is remarkable at absorbing the rich aromatic tones from the bourbon casks.
Nevertheless, Blue Swift is still emblematic of the classic Martell style. Copper with golden highlights, it offers the aromas of banana and caramelized pears, with a touch of sweetness from the bourbon barrels—notes of vanilla, coconut, and baking spices. On the palate, there are generous hints of ginger and candied plums, finishing with more distinctive oak notes like toast and barrel char. Remarkably smooth, Blue Swift is perfect for serving neat or over ice, as well as in one-of-a-kind cocktails like the Swift Sour or simply mixed with Ginger Ale.
The innovation extends to the packaging—a cut glass bottle recalling the shape of bourbon barrels. Near the neck, the embossed image of a swift, a bird capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a single flight, and a favorite of Jean Martell who used to admire them as a boy growing up on the Channel of Jersey. These components all come together to evoke the bold spirit of this truly unique brand.
Not exactly Cognac, not exactly bourbon, but 100% Martell Blue Swift.
Featured Cocktails
Swift Sour
- 2 parts Martell Blue Swift
- 1 part honey syrup (combine 1 part honey with 1 part water)
- 1 part lemon juice
- lemon peel, for garnish
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into glass with ice. Add a lemon peel for garnish.
Swift & Ginger
- 2 parts Martell Blue Swift
- 4 parts ginger ale
- lemon wheel, for garnish
Combine ingredients in a highball glass with ice and stir. Add a lemon wheel for garnish.
