Raise your glasses!

MANILA, Philippines - Cognac glasses were held high in a gala event at the Manila Hotel recently as Martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses, celebrated its landmark 300th anniversary.

Founded in 1715 by  Jean Martell, Martell Cognac has grown into the leading global luxury cognac brand, built on three centuries of cognac excellence.

Guests attended the spectacular evening led by Martell heritage director Jacques Menier and international brand ambassador Jeremy Oakes. 

At the Maynila Ballroom, guests were welcomed to a special cocktail lounge with displays of Martell’s unique cognac expertise. The cognac-making process was brought to life through video exhibits featuring the cognac’s origin from Borderies vineyards, to Martell’s unique distillation process, followed by the aging of select eaux-de-vie, and finished with the Martell Cellar Master’s expert blending.

Dinner started with oyster bisque with crisp potato and braised leeks, followed by marinated salmon with poached egg spinach salad with citrus paired with the Martell VSOP. The main course of beef tenderloin in truffle butter was complemented with the Martell XO. Dessert was burgundy poached pears matched with Martell’s flagship cognac, the Martell Cordon Bleu.

Another highlight of the festivities was the launch of the Martell XO Tricentenaire limited edition bottle. The limited-edition offering features an interpretation of the classic Martell XO arched decanter with beautiful silver line accents, signifying the “lifelines” of the precious oak wood, pivotal in aging the awe-inspiring cognac.

(For more information, visit www.martell.com or facebook.com/martell or @martellcognac on Instagram.)