Sips & Sites & Bites

Martingale Cognac finally arrived on American shores, and this new addition to the Cognac scene embodies a fresh approach to tradition, crafted by the Thomas family’s fourth-generation leaders: Guillaume Thomas, the CEO with a seasoned background at Pernod Ricard, and Amaury Thomas, the master blender and co-founder.

Despite a century-long legacy of producing exceptional eaux-de-vie for renowned houses, Martingale remained anonymous until now. Batch 0001 is their inaugural, commercially-available product to the world.

Martingale Cognac pays homage to Raymond Thomas, the grandfather of Guillaume and Amaury, whose relentless entrepreneurial spirit laid the foundation for their success.

Guillaume reflected on their grandfather’s legacy, saying, “Our grandfather epitomized resilience and innovation in the post-war era of Cognac production. His recipe for success, grounded in hard work, genuine relationships, and craftsmanship, continues to inspire us.”

Driven by their family promise and supported by diverse investors from music, entertainment, finance, and beyond, Martingale is a testament to tradition and relevance in the industry.

Amaury, embodying his grandfather’s forward-thinking approach, modernized production methods and expanded the family vineyards, which now span more than 600 acres across the top four crus of the Cognac region. With complete control over the grape-to-glass process, Martingale distinguishes itself from other producers, forgoing additives for a pure, unadulterated liquid.

This Cognac caters to contemporary tastes, boasting a vibrant blend of flavors and aromas curated to appeal to today’s discerning palates. Andrew Weir, chief commercial and marketing officer, lauds Martingale’s departure from tradition, likening its nuanced flavors to a marriage of fine whisky and fragrant wine.

The distiller’s notes show that each sip of Martingale reveals a symphony of flavors from the different crus: Grande Champagne for strength and complexity, Petite Champagne for balanced fruit and spice, Fins Bois for suppleness, and Borderies for delicate floral notes.

Encased in a bottle inspired by the majestic Chateau d’Ars, Martingale Cognac exudes luxury and heritage. From its tall silhouette mirroring the chateau’s facade to its intricate etchings reminiscent of the surrounding stone walls, every detail reflects the brand’s storied past.

Guillaume envisions Martingale as a bridge between tradition and innovation, offering a premium experience that transcends generations. With its legacy, craftsmanship, and distinctive character, Martingale seeks to redefine the boundaries of the Cognac category, inviting consumers to rediscover and reimagine this timeless spirit.

Martingale Cognac, which clocks in at 40% ABV, is available in select US markets and fine establishments with a suggested price of $120 per 700mL bottle. For more information, check out www.martingalecognac.com.