Updated April 2026.
Martell is Cognac, not whiskey. Founded in 1715, it is the oldest of the “big four” houses (with Hennessy, Rémy Martin, and Courvoisier) and has been in the Pernod Ricard group since 2001. The US nutrition page lists Martell V.S, V.S.O.P, Cordon Bleu, and X.O at 40% ABV. A 1.5-ounce pour is one NIAAA standard drink. We will not reprint a 2021 price list.
Cordon Bleu (1912) is a house blend, not a BNIC age word. Blue Swift is a finished expression — read that label. Related: Cognac vs brandy, Courvoisier, Hennessy.
What the labels actually require
| Expression | US ABV (brand nutrition) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| V.S | 40% | Youngest ≥2 years (BNIC) |
| V.S.O.P | 40% | Youngest ≥4 years |
| Cordon Bleu | 40% | House blend (1912), not an age grade |
| X.O | 40% | Youngest ≥10 years (current XO rule) |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 standard drinks. Four pours are four drinks. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. No 2026 MSRP. Pour math: cognac drink math. Brandy class: brandy guide.
Sources
- martell.com/en-us/nutritional-information-about-cognac/: VS / VSOP / Cordon Bleu / XO at 40% ABV; 1.5 fl oz serving.
- Pernod Ricard brand page: house since 1715; in the group since 2001.
- BNIC age grades. NIAAA (December 2025). No invented MSRP.