Maison Martell ushers in the Year of the Horse with special edition cognacs adorned by artist He Datian’s calligraphy. From 5-12 Feb, visit ‘The House of Martell’ pop-up at ION Orchard for immersive experiences, from custom calligraphy to exclusive tastings. Here’s your guide to the celebration.
What makes a Chinese New Year gift truly memorable? Is it the thought, the prestige, or a design that captures the spirit of the new year? For those looking to give something that combines all three, Maison Martell has crafted a celebration that goes beyond the ordinary bottle.
The esteemed cognac house is marking the upcoming Year of the Horse with a collection of limited edition releases and an immersive pop-up experience in the heart of Orchard Road. It is a blend of heritage, artistry, and contemporary festivity that reinterprets tradition with a touch of luxury.
A Natural Bond: Martell and the Horse
The connection is not just symbolic, it is rooted in history. Maison Martell was founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, who often traversed the Cognac region on horseback. The horse has since embodied the house’s values of audacity, exploration, and a free spirit. To honour this bond for the lunar new year, Martell has collaborated with a globally celebrated Chinese artist.
Artistry in a Bottle: The Limited Edition Releases
The centrepiece of the celebration is the release of limited edition designs for two of its most iconic cognacs, the Martell Cordon Bleu and Martell VSOP. The labels feature exclusive artwork by renowned Chinese artist He Datian, famous for his expressive horse drawings and calligraphy.
He Datian’s fluid, powerful brushwork captures the vitality and movement of the horse. For the Martell Cordon Bleu, the strokes reflect the depth and complexity of the cognac within. The Martell VSOP design uses dynamic, overlapping imagery that mirrors its bold, fruity character. Rendered in vibrant red and electric blue with gold accents, these bottles are designed as contemporary yet auspicious gifts for the festive season.
Step Inside The House of Martell Pop-Up
To bring the celebration to life, Martell is hosting ‘The House of Martell’, a free pop-up experience at the ION Orchard B4 Indoor Atrium from 5 to 12 February 2026. Inspired by the tradition of house visiting (拜年 bài nián), the pop-up invites guests on a curated journey.
Upon entry, visitors receive a special Martell red packet containing coupons to redeem various experiences. The first striking feature is a luminous gold sculptural installation of the Chinese character for horse (‘馬’), created in collaboration with He Datian, setting a majestic tone.
The journey includes several engaging touchpoints. Guests can redeem a Martell-infused mandarin sorbet, a modern twist on the traditional exchange of mandarin oranges. At the Calligraphy Salon, a local calligrapher will help you create your own customised couplets to take home as a festive keepsake.
Naturally, the limited edition cognacs are on display and available for purchase at The Martell Foyer, with exclusive pop-up gifts. For connoisseurs, The Martell Cellar offers a rare look at Martell’s most exceptional creation, the L’Or de Jean Martell Zodiac Edition, including a display of previous years’ releases.
Finally, The Martell Courtyard is the place to gather, redeem bespoke festive cocktails, and enjoy bites. Before leaving, you can create a personalised digital Chinese New Year greeting card at the Portraits of Prosperity photo experience.
Practical Details for Your Visit
The House of Martell pop-up at ION Orchard runs daily from 11am to 9.30pm, with specific activities available during designated hours. For example, the calligraphy couplet customisation is available on weekdays from 6pm to 9pm and weekends from 3pm to 9pm.
The limited edition Martell Cordon Bleu and VSOP bottles will also be available at selected retailers across Singapore, including FairPrice outlets and the Pernod Ricard official store on Shopee.
Martell’s Year of the Horse celebration is a thoughtful example of how a heritage brand can engage with cultural traditions. It moves beyond simple product marketing to create a holistic experience that honours symbolism, fosters creativity, and provides a sophisticated social space for the festive season.
Will you be visiting The House of Martell to see the beautiful calligraphy and perhaps find that perfect, meaningful gift?
