This month in France premium brandy powerhouse Martell Cognac consummated their 300th anniversary with a landmark celebration hosted at the Palace of Versailles. Glass was in attendance to experience Martell’s festivities at their finest and discover the art of Cognac, whether that be through tasting or learning about how the finely distilled wine is crafted.
Glass visits Martell’s Galliene distillery in Cognac
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Glass takes in the Gardens of Versailles
Immersed in the French art de vivre of the country’s oldest great Cognac house, Glass, along with 300 VIP guests from over 15 different countries, assembled for the gala event. Starting orders called for a magnificent air show courtesy of Patrouille de France, who soared through the clear skies above Versailles in a synchronised fly-over that compelled the crowds of luminaries to crane their necks in awe.
The tricentenaire then moved inside where guests were given the chance to sample a number of cocktails created in collaboration with Thierry Hernandez, head barman of the Plaza Athenee in Paris, that paid tribute to the many renditions of Martell from Cordon Bleu to Noblige and many more.
Glass watches the celebratory air show conducted by Patrouille de France
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Glass feasts on a sea food dish created by Chef Paul Pairet
The crème de la crème of Martell’s no-holds-barred celebration, Glass then dined on a multi-sensory gastronomic feast composed by Chef Paul Pairet, the internationally renowned avant gardiste of French haute cuisine. As the dinner unfolded, vast screens surrounding the dining area displayed visuals that corresponded with the menu of scallops, truffle burnt soup and teriyaki-laquered beef while specific sounds and smells relating to each course enveloped the room. To our tastebuds delight each unique course was complemented with some of Martell’s finest Cognac brews and the artisanal banquet was over as soon as it had begun.
Brand Ambassador Diane Kruger, wearing custom-made Jason Wu, and Martell CEO and Chairman Philippe Guettat
Diane Kruger addresses the world’s press
Glasses were then raised to the Cognac house in a final salute to the multiple centuries of spirit mastery and a firework display topped off the joyful and grandiose gathering.
Brand ambassador of Martell Cognac, actress Diane Kruger, was quoted as saying “I hope all the guests got to discover a little bit of the French way of living for themselves this evening”. This sentiment was shared with Martell’s CEO and Chairman, Philippe Guettat, who also commented “This is surely a pinnacle moment for the House and we hope to keep building on our success as we look forward to Martell’s future”.
Fortunately Glass was also able to talk exclusively with Kruger after inquiring about the first time she happened to taste the distinctive Cognac, revealing, “I think my grandmother let me dip my finger in it when I was 15 because I had toothache! But I had to of tried it for the first time here in its homeland and I’ve come to appreciate it more and more as time goes on because it really is an acquired taste.”
by Liam Feltham
Images courtesy of Martell