Heritage
Nurturing yesterday’s heritage while building tomorrow’s, we protect and share the legacy and tradition of our brands. Whether a brand has been around for several years or several centuries, we celebrate its roots and savoir-faire.
From Martell…
Founder Jean Martell laid the foundations for what today is a leading international prestige cognac, in 1715 when he left his native island of Jersey for a new life in Cognac, France and established a business trading eaux-de-vie. He marked all the barrels he shipped from Cognac with his family coat of arms, and that emblem can still be found on every bottle of Martell to this day.
Another important moment in Martell’s history was the acquisition of the Château de Chanteloup, a haven of serenity in the heart of the Borderies terroir near Cognac, by Jean Martell’s grandson Théodore in 1838. The Martell family estate for generations, the Château is still home to the Chanteloup cellar, where some of the House’s most precious eaux-de-vie are kept - notably those used for blending the prestige cognac named after the domain, Martell Chanteloup XXO.
This heritage, preserved forever in 5km of archives, is an endless source of inspiration not only for what it represents today but for what it can become - and what we can make of it - for future generations.
Read more about Martell on page 50.
…to The Chuan
This year, we launched the first offering from The Chuan Malt Whisky Distillery in China. This is the first locally distilled malt whisky from an international spirits and wine group in China.
Located in the unique terroir of Emei Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by a pure and winding stream, the distillery blends the natural and cultural beauty of the local landscape with skill and craftsmanship.
Master Distiller Dr Yang Tao has worked in the spirits industry since 2006, with experience across the UK and China that equips him with rich expertise and profound thinking on whisky-making. Dr Tao leads the local team, interpreting together their deep understanding of Chinese culture, gastronomy and terroir.
Using this savoir-faire alongside our passion for spirits, we are blending cultures - from Scotland to China, via the US and Spain - and creating the legacies and heritage of tomorrow.
Read more about The Chuan on page 68.