Martell’s Blue Swift Launch

I was lucky enough to be one of the first people in the U.S. to try Martell’s newest expression, Blue Swift.

Martell kicked off its U.S. launch with a great event complete with music from DJ Vikas Sapra and mural painters No Kings Collective working on a special piece right on the scene. Martell brand ambassador Christophe Pienkowski introduced us to Blue Swift. He talked about the company’s extensive history, which was super a super interesting lead up to the product launch.

According to the company, Martell was the first to ship its cognac barrels from France to the United States in 1783, and they call themselves “the oldest of cognac houses.

The event also had some awesome food, such as duck confit sandwiches and crab-topped corn cakes. All of this led up to the grand finale, which was a tasting of the new product.

I’m usually not a fan of cognac, or any brown liquor to be honest, but I was surprised by how drinkable Blue Swift was. The product definitely has fruity notes, making it palatable even for me. The liquor is aged in Kentucky Bourbon casks, so it also has a smoky flavor that I enjoyed. I actually admit that I even had a second glass.

Overall, it was a great night and I’m really glad I got to try Blue Swift (and even take a bottle home with me). The product sheet includes some recipes for mixed drinks, such as a French Old Fashioned with two parts Blue Swift, two parts sugar cane syrup and two dashes of Jefferson Bitters. I have seen my friends order Old Fashioneds at bars, but it’s something that I have never and would never order myself. Given the drinkability of Blue Swift, I’m actually excited to try making (and drinking) an Old Fashioned myself.