Each year, Martell releases a new exclusive edition of its finest cognac inspired by the zodiac animal of the year, and for 2026, in celebration of the Year of the Horse, presents L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Cheval, limited to 500 individually numbered bottles. Complementing the release, The House of Martell offers an immersive open-house experience inspired by the Chinese New Year tradition of festive visiting, welcoming the public to ION Orchard B4 Indoor Atrium from 5th to 12th February (11am to 9.30pm daily) with complimentary entry.

THE HORSE EMBODIED BY AN EXCEPTIONAL BLEND

With each Zodiac Edition, Martell Cellar Master Christophe Valtaud builds on the essential and exquisite character of L’Or de Jean Martell while highlighting the qualities of that year’s zodiac animal. For the 2026 release, the challenge was to enrich L’Or de Jean Martell without modifying its essence, but while bringing to the fore certain characteristics evoking the noble, free-spirited dynamism of the horse. To do this, Christophe Valtaud made a careful selection of very old eaux-de-vie drawn from past Years of the Horse. It required several months’ work and outstanding expertise to combine the intensity and elegance of the original cognac with fullness, vivacity and complexity, evoking the verve, nobility and controlled energy associated with the horse.

The horse, a symbol of pure strength, is a source of great inspiration for Martell, and it propelled Christophe Valtaud to craft a cognac of special personal significance. For the blend, he selected eaux-de-vie primarily from Grande Champagne, the prestigious terroir where he was born, raised and still lives today. The resulting cognac is distinguished by its vitality, aromatic richness and controlled power. The nose is full and supple, with aromas of honey, candied fruit, floral overtones and a discreet aged quality. On the palate, L’Or de Jean Martell – Assemblage du Cheval unleashes the vivacity of red fruit and blackcurrant, complemented by a subtle sweetness, as well as wonderful volume, length and complexity, vividly evoking the noble, intrepid spirit of the horse.

A STRIKING, SPIRITED DESIGN

To showcase L’Or de Jean Martell – Assemblage du Cheval and to echo the majesty of the horse, an exquisite decanter and beautiful cabinet complete the edition. Created in collaboration with Baccarat, one of France’s most revered manufacturers of fine crystal, the elegant mouthblown decanter evokes a single, pure drop of cognac, complementing the richness and refinement of the blend within. Crowned by a striking horse’s head stopper in deep red crystal manufactured by
Baccarat, the decanter rests on a golden pedestal embellished with horseshoe printed pattern. The neck is engraved with the name and series number of the limited edition.

The magnificent ensemble – decanter, stopper, pedestal – is displayed against a dramatic golden backdrop of grapevines and a spirited, rearing horse. Conceived and crafted in tribute to the Year of the Horse, this L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition pays homage to the majestic power of horse as well as to the flourishing friendship between Martell and China.

Available in a strictly limited edition of 500, each bottle of L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition – Assemblage du Cheval comes nestled inside a beautifully crafted wooden case decorated with an intricate horseshoe motif.