Martell debuts private cask programme

Pernod Ricard-owned Martell Cognac has launched a private cask programme, the first offered by a major Cognac house.

To debut Les Fûts Uniques de Martell, the Cognac producer is offering four single casks of rare eaux-de-vies for sale. The collection was inspired by the origins of Cognac, which was traded in casks until the mid-19th century. Each cask has been drawn from the Réserve Héritage, a special reserve of eaux-de-vie singled out for their 'quality and rarity', chosen by cellar master Christophe Valtaud. Each year, a new selection of rare eaux-de-vie will be offered as single casks, bottled and shipped to clients in customised packaging, accompanied by exclusive experiences. Each bottle will be presented in a wooden case. The first offering, a 268-litre cask, contains 27-year-old Martell Borderies Cognac (43% ABV), produced by the Firino-Martell family and brought into the Martell reserve by the fifth cellar master, Patrick Ragueneau. The second cask, which has a capacity of 268 litres, houses 30-year-old Martell Grande Champagne Cognac (48% ABV), which fourth cellar master Pierre Frugier added to the reserve. As the third cask, Grande Champagne is offered in a 263-litre cask and is aged for 32 years (43% ABV). The cask was produced by third cellar master François Chapeau. The fourth and final cask of 2024, with a capacity of 265 litres, was aged for 32 years. The Grande Champagne is offered at 46% ABV and was introduced to the reserve by cellar master Frugier. Les Fûts Uniques de Martell collection will launch in September to celebrate Maison Martell's 300 years of dedication to making eaux-de-vie. Martell Cognac was awarded two Master, four Gold and three Silver medals at The 2024 Cognac Masters.