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Slithering into the spotlight: Toast to the Year of the Snake with Martell’s rare 500-bottle cognac release
In honour of the upcoming Lunar New Year, storied house Martell unveils the L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent, a blend featuring eaux-de-vie from past Years of the Snake, presented in a striking crystal decanter
Each year, Maison Martell releases an exclusive edition of its most exceptional cognac, inspired by that year’s zodiac animal.
PHOTO: PERNOD RICARD SINGAPORE
With 2024 coming to a close, the world prepares to usher in the upcoming Lunar Year of the Snake.
Many will celebrate it with a toast – or two. And Maison Martell joins the festivities with its latest, exclusive release: The L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent.
Founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, the brand has spent over three centuries perfecting the art of cognac production. But how does this new edition reflect both tradition and innovation?
Every year, Martell celebrates its long-standing relationship with Chinese culture through its Zodiac Editions. As one of the first Western brands in China, Martell has maintained a strong presence there for over 150 years.
These annual releases showcase both the house’s exceptional craftsmanship and its deep respect for Chinese traditions.
The L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent celebrates the Year of the Snake with its striking gold serpentine base. PHOTO: PERNOD RICARD SINGAPORE
As its name suggests, the new expression honours the snake’s qualities of courage, wisdom and care. Martell’s cellar master Christophe Valtaud expertly captures these attributes while showcasing the enigmatic power associated with the animal.
With only 500 bottles available worldwide – each individually numbered – one can imagine how sought after the L’Or de Jean Martell – Assemblage du Serpent is going to be.
Martell’s eaux-de-vie: A feast for the senses
What lies at the heart of the L’Or de Jean Martell – Assemblage du Serpent is an exceptional blend crafted from more than 1,400 eaux-de-vie. The French term, meaning “water of life”, refers to the distillate produced from the fermentation of fruit.
During the meticulous selection process, Mr Valtaud added “a selection of very old eaux-de-vie sourced from different Years of the Snake”, a testament to his expertise.
Each eau-de-vie contributes distinct characteristics that mirror the personality traits associated with the snake: courage in its boldness, wisdom in its complexity, and care in its smooth finish.
Mr Valtaud emphasises that this blend offers “extraordinary intensity with extreme refinement”.
What can connoisseurs expect when it comes to the tasting experience? Visually, the cognac presents a light amber colour with mahogany highlights that invite exploration.
The nose reveals citrus and soft spices, evolving into aromas of mild tobacco, candied fruit, blackcurrant and quince marmalade.
On the palate, Mr Valtaud describes a velvety smoothness that leads to bold citrus notes. The finish lingers with hints of wood and tobacco.
Baccarat decanter: A vessel like no other
The presentation of L’Or de Jean Martell – Assemblage du Serpent is as striking as its contents. Partnering with renowned French crystal maker Baccarat, Martell has fashioned a mouth-blown crystal decanter that is both elegant and symbolic.
It is topped by a red crystal stopper shaped like a serpent’s head, in the spirit of the theme.
Each limited-edition decanter features a neck adorned with 19K gold and an intricate snakeskin motif. PHOTO: PERNOD RICARD SINGAPORE
The decanter’s neck is adorned with 19K gold, engraved with an intricate snakeskin motif and the cognac’s bottle number. The drop-shaped decanter rests on a gold-tone pedestal that resembles a pair of intertwined serpents.
Each decanter and pedestal sits within a red cabinet featuring an interlaced snakeskin pattern.
Martell was one of the first French cognac brands to be imported to China in the 19th century.
Since then, the storied cognac house has consistently marked this legacy by creating expressions that resonate with cultural symbolism.
L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent is available in a strictly limited edition of 500, each bottle individually numbered. PHOTO: PERNOD RICARD SINGAPORE
The L’Or de Jean Martell – Assemblage du Serpent is no exception, serving as a bridge between heritage and modernity. It is as much a fine cognac as it is a piece of art steeped in history.
Experiencing the exclusive L’Or de Jean Martell – Zodiac Edition in Singapore
In anticipation of the Lunar New Year, Martell will unveil the L’Or de Jean Martell – Assemblage Du Serpent through a pop-up immersive exhibition in Singapore, from Jan 10 to 12, 2025.
Titled “The Golden Age Journey: L’Or De Jean Martell - Assemblage Du Serpent”, the open-to-public event at 72-13 along Mohamed Sultan Road features fengshui’s five elemental zones: water, earth, fire, wood and gold.
Visitors can explore the heritage of Martell through interactive displays, including an Infinity Photo Wall and glass olfactory pods featuring the cognac’s key ingredients.
The exhibition also features a pop-up Martell Bar offering tastings of select cognacs including Noblige, Cordon Bleu and Chanteloup XXO.
Savour the L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Serpent this festive season and immerse yourself in an exceptional tasting experience that embodies the essence of the Year of the Snake.
Book your slot for the The Golden Age Journey: L’Or De Jean Martell - Assemblage Du Serpent pop-up event at 72-13.
Martell advocates responsible drinking. Please do not share this with anyone under the legal drinking age of 18.
