Maison Martell, the oldest of the great cognac houses, has launched the Noblige across Singapore. The perfect combination of strength and smoothness, this elegant cognac with caramel and creamy aromas takes its name from the old French saying "noblesse oblige", or "nobility carries obligation".

The launch of the Martell Noblige shines the spotlight on the brand's global "Be The Standout Swift" campaign that was created to appeal to a new generation of consumers who are not afraid to take risks. A twist on the Chinese idiom "the bird that stands out gets shot down", the "Be The Standout Swift" campaign is also a nod to the House's emblem, the swift — a bird that is renowned for its stamina.

A Standout Cognac

Fittingly, the Martell Noblige is a statement-making cognac, the "standout swift" of the VSOP category that transcends age to appeal to a modern mindset. Unusually complex for a Very Superior Old Pale (VSOP), it features a blend of more than 100 eaux-de-vie from the finest terroirs in the Cognac region, and highlights the woody quality typical of old eaux-de-vie from the Fins Bois terroir.

On the nose, this dark gold cognac boasts abundant fruit notes of pear and prune, exotic hints of vanilla pod and caramelised grape, and a distinctive woody character with notes of myrrh, cedar and fine-grained oak. The first taste on the palate yields caramel, molasses, dried fruit and bitter chocolate giving way to the round, generous sensuality of the warm sophistication of wood and spice finish. While the Martell Noblige can be enjoyed neat or on ice, it is also a stylish addition to exceptional cocktails. 

A distinctive bottle design sets the Martell Noblige apart. A sleek, sensuous shape with a long neck, a unique cut surface and a thick bottom add a touch of contemporary elegance to the exquisite cognac within, and elevates the drinking experience like no other.

"With the Martell Noblige, we are appealing to a new generation of cognac lovers," says Jacques Menier, Martell Heritage Director. "The cognac market is changing rapidly. Up until the 1990s, cognac was my father's drink and was perceived to be old-fashioned. But this has been changing since the mid-2000s. These days, you drink something because you like the taste, and younger people are discovering that they have a taste for cognac."

"There is a certain elegance and an element of indulgence about Martell Noblige," adds Christophe Valtaud, Martell's cellar master. "It is truly an exceptional VSOP."

A Celebration of the Standout Swift

The Martell Noblige was celebrated in Singapore on 29 - 30 November with a series of intimate parties at sea on board a 67ft luxury yacht — audaciously taking this bold cognac to the high seas with an exclusive guest list that embodies the Standout Swift ethos. The Standout Swift Yacht Experience was attended by luminaries including actresses Jayley Woo, Hayley Woo and Julie Tan, actors Nick Teo and Shawn Thia, DJ Preeti Nair, musicians Narelle Kheng and Sandra Riley Tang of The Sam Willows, model Kaci Beh, and social media stars Jamie Chua and Rebecca Eu.

Martell has also created the Swift Flights of Fancy Tour — a daring mixological adventure with key partner bars across Singapore to celebrate the Standout Swift — that launched on 4 October. From 4 October to 31 December 2021, experience unique cocktails crafted specially for Martell Noblige by over 10 of Singapore's most recognised bars including Nemesis, No Sleep Club, The Secret Mermaid and Capital Kitchen just to name a few. A Swift Flights of Fancy Tour microsite offers an interactive neon map that highlights partner bars and their exclusive Martell Noblige menus.

Additionally, limited-edition Swift Party Packs offer a taste of the Standout Swift lifestyle at home, or wherever you may want to imbibe. Martell Noblige is bundled with exclusive merchandise such as Martell gold shakers, Martell cognac stones and Martell coasters. The Swift Party Deluxe Pack retails for $268 and is limited to 250 sets, while the Swift Party Pack retails for $145 and is limited to 150 sets. Available from 15 September, only on Shopee. The Martell Noblige is available in entertainment outlets such as Zouk, KPO and Harry's bars, as well as in fine supermarkets such as Cold Storage, FairPrice Finest, Giant and more. 

Tasting notes

Colour: Dark gold with copper highlights.

Aromas: Abundant fruit notes of pear and prune, exotic hints of vanilla pod and caramelised grape, and a distinctive woody character with notes of myrrh, cedar and fine-grained oak.

Taste: The first taste on the palate yields caramel, molasses, dried fruit and bitter chocolate giving way to the round, generous sensuality of sweet fruit and the warm sophistication of wood. A smooth cognac with a lasting finish.

Serving suggestions

The Martell Noblige can be enjoyed neat or on ice. It also pairs well in cocktails.

For unique cocktail recipes handcrafted especially for Martell Noblige, go to www.martell.com/en-sg/cocktails