Internationally famous King of Cognac talks about the pleasures of "collecting, admiring and tasting"

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< Article from HKEJ continued		Source: March 23, 2015 Hong Kong Economic Journal By Lam Yi Shun Photography: Gary Kwok Venue: KEE Club
Martell's 300 Year Legend
● Martell came into being in a golden era of French history towards the end of the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, renowned for his lavish Palace of Versailles. This age of enlightenment saw the blossoming of French literature, arts, crafts, philosophy and gastronomy that shaped the French 'Art de Vivre' which still represents fine living today - This precious gem is made from 18 eaux-de-vie ranging from 1977 to 1868 aged in 300-year-old oak casks and enclosed in its own specially-commissioned artwork French artist, Bernar Venet - A suitably grand vessel to house this exquisite blend was required and the House asked Bernar Venet, the renowned conceptual French artist if he would consider designing a decanter which encapsulated a Tricentenary of the art of Martell. To showcase this rare Tricentenaire cognac, French artist Bernar Venet to craft a stunning piece of art within which to house the exquisite blend. The timeless design comprises metal arcs which are divided into three clusters, evoking the 300 year anniversary, which shelter a simple and elegant teardrop-shaped crystal decanter - Each bottle has a unique number and is sold for US$13,000 (approximately HK$101,400). Mr. Man's Chan is one of the owners of the MPV Extremely Rare Collections   Martell Premier Voyage A limited edition cognac in celebration of the brand's 300th anniversary. The bottle is made of Sevres crystal, ornamented with metal arcs designed by the French artist Bernar Venet. Every bottle has its individual number and signature. Value: HK$101,400   Martell 250th anniversary edition The 250th anniversary edition, produced 50 years ago - only sold in a the Martell castle in France, comes in a magnificent crystal bottle. Mr. Chan has not seen another bottle of this in the market by far Extra labeled with Dodwell & Co., Ltd. Extra refers to cognac with age over 25 years. This bottle is produced in the 70s (over 80 YO now), was sold by the first HK trading company - Dodwell & Co., Ltd. The bottle has the trading company's label on it hence making this collectable so precious Value: Priceless   Martell "silver ribbon" A bottle that was made in the 50s - Martell "silver ribbon", which is over 60 YO already, is the first bottle made with crystal by Martell. The bottle design is delicate with superb craftsmanship, a very rare collectable item Value: approximately HK$50,000 L'Art Martell Limited edition (1997 bottles were made only) in celebration of the handover of HK to China. The design was inspired by the swallow, a Chinese metaphor of "the swallow returning to its nest". The stopper was made by the famous glass making brand Daum. Value: approximately HK$50,000 to $60,000 Martell Cognac Silver Jubilee (1952-1977) Produced in the year 1977 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Queen's coronation. This special edition is made from the family's much tresured collections, including cognacs of the year 1815, 1906, 1914 and 1918. The oldest L'Eaux-de-Vie is 200 years old. Only 500 bottles are produced.
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