When a globally recognized brand updates the appearance of its bottles, it naturally catches the attention of loyal customers and first-time buyers alike. Martell, one of the world’s oldest and most respected cognac houses, has recently introduced refreshed packaging for two of its popular expressions—Martell VS and Martell Blue Swift.
If you’ve recently come across these bottles and noticed they look different from what you’re used to seeing, you’re not alone. The redesign has sparked conversations among cognac lovers, with many wondering whether only the packaging has changed or if the liquid inside has been altered as well.
The good news is that while the bottles now feature a more contemporary and refined appearance, the quality and character that have made these expressions favourites remain unchanged.
In this article, we’ll explore what’s new about the bottles, why brands refresh their packaging, and what buyers should know before purchasing the latest editions.
A Fresh Look for Two Martell Favorites
For many years, Martell VS and Martell Blue Swift have stood out on shelves thanks to their distinctive bottle designs.
The latest redesign introduces a cleaner, more premium appearance while staying true to the Martell identity. From the bottle shape to the updated labels and refined details, the new packaging reflects the brand’s commitment to combining heritage with modern elegance.
The updated bottles are easier to recognize, more visually striking, and better aligned with today’s premium spirits market.
While the appearance has evolved, Martell has maintained the craftsmanship and quality that customers expect from these two expressions.
What’s New About the Bottles?
Looking at the refreshed designs, several noticeable changes stand out.
1. A More Contemporary Bottle Shape
Both Martell VS and Blue Swift now feature bottles with a stronger, more refined silhouette.
The updated shape gives the bottles a premium feel while making them instantly recognizable on retail shelves.
2. Cleaner Label Design
The labels have been redesigned with a simpler, more sophisticated layout.
Important product details are easier to read, while the iconic Martell branding remains front and centre.
The overall presentation feels modern without losing the brand’s heritage.
3. Enhanced Premium Finish
The new packaging includes improved finishing touches, including refined embossing, updated typography, and elegant colour accents that reinforce Martell’s luxury positioning.
These details may seem subtle, but together they create a stronger shelf presence.
4. Consistent Brand Identity
Although both bottles have received updates, they still clearly belong to the Martell family.
The iconic swift emblem, recognizable branding, and signature colour palette remain key elements of the new design.
Has the Cognac Changed?
This is probably the question customers ask most often.
The answer is no.
The refreshed packaging does not mean the cognac itself has changed.
Martell VS continues to deliver the approachable, fruity, and smooth profile that has made it one of the brand’s most popular expressions.
Likewise, Martell Blue Swift retains the distinctive character that comes from finishing VSOP cognac in bourbon casks, creating its signature balance of fruit, vanilla, toasted oak, and caramel notes.
The redesign is primarily about presentation rather than changing the product inside the bottle.
Why Do Premium Brands Refresh Their Packaging?
Bottle redesigns are common across the premium beverage industry.
Brands update their packaging for several reasons.
1. Modern Appeal
Consumer preferences evolve over time.
Refreshing bottle designs helps brands remain visually appealing to new generations of customers while retaining existing fans.
2. Better Shelf Presence
Retail shelves can be crowded.
A cleaner, more distinctive bottle helps products stand out whether they’re displayed in physical stores or online.
3. Improved Premium Perception
Luxury packaging reinforces the quality of the product inside.
Updated bottles often communicate craftsmanship, elegance, and attention to detail before the bottle is even opened.
4. Stronger Brand Recognition
Packaging updates also create consistency across a brand’s product range, making it easier for customers to identify authentic bottles.
Martell VS: A Timeless Favourite
Martell VS has remained one of the most popular entry-level cognacs for many years.
Known for its approachable style, it offers:
- Fruity aromas
- Light spice
- Gentle oak influence
- Smooth finish
- Excellent versatility
It’s suitable for sipping neat, over ice, or as the base for premium cocktails.
If you’re considering Martell VS for the first time, you’ll find that the refreshed bottle brings a more premium appearance while preserving the familiar taste many customers already know and enjoy.
Martell Blue Swift: A Modern Twist
Blue Swift stands apart from many traditional cognac expressions.
Instead of following the usual ageing process alone, it is made from VSOP cognac that is finished in bourbon casks.
This unique approach contributes notes of:
- Vanilla
- Toasted oak
- Caramel
- Candied fruit
- Soft spice
Its approachable profile has made it especially popular among those looking to explore something slightly different from traditional cognac.
The new bottle complements that modern identity perfectly.
How to Know You’re Buying the New Edition
As the updated bottles gradually replace older stock, you may see both designs available in stores.
The easiest way to identify the latest edition is by looking for:
- The refreshed bottle shape.
- The cleaner front label.
- Updated branding details.
- A more premium overall presentation.
It’s worth remembering that both the older and newer bottles may still be genuine products depending on when they were imported and distributed.
Authenticity Still Matters
Whenever a well-known brand updates its packaging, some buyers become concerned about authenticity.
That’s understandable, especially when they’re unfamiliar with the new look.
Rather than assuming a bottle is fake because it looks different, buy from trusted retailers that source products through authorized distribution channels.
If you’d like to become more confident when shopping, our guide How to Spot Fake Hennessy in Nigeria shares useful principles that apply to premium spirits in general and explains why purchasing from reputable stores is always the safest choice.
Choosing Between Martell VS and Blue Swift
Both expressions appeal to different preferences.
Choose Martell VS if you:
- Prefer classic cognac.
- Enjoy lighter fruit-forward flavours.
- Want a versatile bottle for different occasions.
- Are exploring cognac for the first time.
Choose Martell Blue Swift if you:
- Like richer vanilla and caramel notes.
- Enjoy bourbon-style influences.
- Want a contemporary twist on cognac.
- Prefer smoother, sweeter flavour profiles.
If you’re still learning about cognac classifications, you might also enjoy reading VS, VSOP, and XO Explained Simply, where we break down what these age designations actually mean and how they affect the drinking experience.
Perfect for Gifting
The refreshed packaging also makes both bottles attractive gift options.
Their elegant new appearance gives them stronger visual appeal for:
- Birthdays
- Weddings
- Corporate gifts
- Holiday celebrations
- Special milestones
Sometimes presentation makes a lasting first impression, and the redesigned bottles certainly achieve that.
Conclusion
Martell’s refreshed packaging for Martell VS and Martell Blue Swift demonstrates that even iconic brands continue to evolve while respecting their heritage.
The updated bottles introduce a cleaner, more sophisticated appearance that reflects today’s premium spirits market without changing the character of the cognac inside.
Whether you’re a long-time Martell enthusiast or considering your first purchase, you can expect the same quality, craftsmanship, and flavour profiles that have made these expressions popular around the world—now presented in packaging that feels every bit as refined as the spirit itself.
Discover the New Look at Right Drinks
The refreshed Martell VS and Martell Blue Swift bottles are now available at Right Drinks. Whether you’re adding to your personal collection, buying a gift, or stocking up for a celebration, you can shop with confidence knowing every bottle comes from accredited importers, distributors, and manufacturers.
With same-day 60-minute delivery across Lagos and nationwide shipping, Right Drinks makes it easy to enjoy authentic premium spirits wherever you are in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. Has Martell VS changed its recipe?
No. Only the bottle and packaging have been refreshed. The cognac inside remains the same.
2. Is Martell Blue Swift still finished in bourbon casks?
Yes. Martell Blue Swift continues to be made from VSOP cognac finished in bourbon casks, giving it its distinctive flavour profile.
3. Why did Martell redesign the bottles?
The redesign gives both expressions a more modern, premium appearance while maintaining Martell’s heritage and improving shelf appeal.
4. Can I still find the older bottle designs?
Yes. Depending on existing inventory, both the previous and the new bottle designs may still be available from genuine retailers.
5. Where can I buy the new Martell VS and Blue Swift bottles in Nigeria?
You can purchase the refreshed Martell VS and Martell Blue Swift bottles from Right Drinks, with same-day delivery in Lagos and nationwide shipping.
Bakare Sherifdeen is an SEO specialist and web developer with over six years of experience in technical SEO, content strategy, and website optimization. He specializes in building search-friendly websites and creating helpful content that improves visibility, user experience, and online discovery.
