The Knockturnal was honored to sit at the feet of highly accomplished art activists and trailblazers. While listening front row on the importance of African-American art, and its impact on our planet, thanks to Martell’s revival of Loïs Mailou Jones’s work and philosophy, the rebirth of the Little Paris Group came to fruition! Aiming to produce mentorship in modern-day popular art, a meeting of the minds, and magic, took place on Wednesday, March 23, 2023, in Brooklyn, New York at the Bishop Gallery. Headlining this revival was none other than the eclectic, aristocratic singer, and actress, Janelle Monáe!
Martell
Three cheers to love!
On The Scene: Quavo Heats Up the Martell HOME Experience For All Star Weekend
The cold temperatures in Chicago did not stop Martell & BET from bringing one of the hottest events to this year’s All Star Weekend, with their Martell HOME experience on Saturday. This event featured a special performance from Quavo who is a Martell ambassador.
We’re so used to tight suits, manicured skits, and cookie cutter questions when it comes to talk shows; that the audacity to be real is practically a physical assault to the senses.
Martell’s newest Cognac, Martell Blue Swift was officially released in America this past Thursday. Following the “curious spirit” of founder Jean Martell, the elegant and smooth cognac will leave a lasting impression in Martell history.
Hosted at the Lightbox in New York City, the launch of Martell Blue Swift was introduced with the hashtag #BeCurious. Blue Swift mixed drinks included the following four delicious options:
Sazerac: Blue Swift with sugar cane syrup, absinthe rinse, and Jefferson bitters
French Old Fashion: Blue Swift with sugar cane syrup and Jefferson bitters
Bordeaux: Blue Swift with Lillet Rose and Jefferson bitters
Martell Blue Swift: Served neat on the rocks
The four cocktails were exchanged throughout the room accompanied with hors d’oeuvers like foiegras, crab tastings, duck sliders and watermelon tartar.
Christophe Pienkowski, Martell’s Global Brand Ambassador welcomed Blue Swift after the lavish cocktail hour with a projected presentation of Martell’s integrity throughout history on the venue’s white walls.
“I like the smoothness, the roundness— and this product is all the signs of a great Cognac, a great Martell expression,” Pienkowski said.
Blue Swift is praised for its long toasted oak finish from Kentucky Bourbon casks. It is noted for its banana and caramelized pear aromas with subtle hints of vanilla and coconut mixed with spice and menthol. Its coppery color gives off deep ginger and white candied fruit feels.
Entertainment scattered throughout the white space as painters worked creating Martell’s label in America’s patriotic colors and a chef from The Bronx torched carrots and maroons in front of the audience.
Photo Booth pictures in front of the Martell billboard backdrop proved for great fun and the gift bag was, yes, Martell’s Blue Swift now available for $49.99.
It’s safe to say Martell’s newest Cognac speaks for itself, joining its other famous Cognac liquors in great fashion.
Twenty minutes with Questlove and Black Thought was twenty minutes more than I ever expected to get in this lifetime.
Learning and Celebrating the 300 years of Martell