Martell Blue Swift Cognac
Martell Blue Swift is a 750mL spirit drink bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), made from 100% Martell VSOP cognac — eaux-de-vie aged at least four years — and finished in Kentucky bourbon casks. Martell calls it the first spirit drink of its kind: the bourbon-cask finish takes it outside the Cognac appellation, so it is labelled a spirit drink, not a cognac. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Base: 100% Martell VSOP cognac (eaux-de-vie aged at least 4 years)
- Finish: Kentucky bourbon casks
- Classification: Spirit drink (eau-de-vie de vin) — Martell's official designation
- Origin: Cognac, France (Martell, founded 1715)
A First, Two Centuries After the First Shipment
In 1783 Martell was the first Maison to ship cognac to the United States; Blue Swift was created to celebrate that history with another first, absorbing vanilla and toasted-oak sweetness from bourbon casks into the house's candied-fruit and plum hallmarks. Martell's official page reports Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025, Platinum at the same competition in 2024, and Gold at the Global Cognac Masters 2025. See the house on the Martell vendor page, or browse our cognac collection.
Tasting Notes
Per Martell's published notes: copper with golden highlights; banana and caramelised pear introducing vanilla, coconut and spices on the nose; a full, generous palate of ginger and candied fruit, notably white plum, followed by toasted oak from the bourbon casks; an ample, smooth, rounded finish.
How to Enjoy
Drink it on its own, over ice, lengthened with a mixer, or in cocktails, as the house suggests — the bourbon-cask vanilla suits an Old Fashioned build. More Martell is in our cognac collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Swift a cognac?
Not legally — it is made entirely from Martell VSOP cognac, but finishing in Kentucky bourbon casks takes it outside the Cognac appellation rules, so Martell labels it a spirit drink (eau-de-vie de vin).
What does the bourbon cask add?
Vanilla and toasted-oak sweetness over Martell's candied fruit and plum, per the brand — a sweeter, rounder layer than the VSOP shows on its own.
How old is the cognac in Blue Swift?
It is 100% VSOP cognac, meaning its eaux-de-vie were aged at least four years before the bourbon-cask finish.
VSOP cognac through Kentucky oak — a first of its kind — order Martell Blue Swift online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
