Martell Cognac Establishes "Martell Icons Of Caractere" Program, Celebrating True Men Of Character

12 Feb 2013 --- Martell Caractere, the newest spirit from the prestigious House of Cognac founded in 1715, announces the establishment of the Martell Icons of Caractere program. The program comprises contemporary community figures, known as Icons, who promote exceptional stories of character.

The range of Icons provides mentorship across a variety of verticals – including entertainment, business, cuisine and the arts. Each Icon will share their personal story of character on Martell.com and Facebook.com/MartellCaractere.

The program kicked off last night at a private event in LA with an exclusive viewing of a short film made in collaboration between actor and filmmaker Andy Garcia and Martell Caractere. The film showcases the relationship between Mambo music pioneer Israel "Cachao" Lopez and Garcia, and how one icon of character inspired another. "Cachao took me in not only as a musical protege, but really as an extended member of his family. As a musician, the majority of what I know comes from him," says Garcia.

"Martell founder Jean Martell was notorious for his strength of character, and that essence is reflected in the refined blend and elegant taste of his cognacs," says Wayne Hartunian, VP of Scotch and Cognac, Pernod Ricard USA. "The Martell Icons of Caractere program is designed to be another extension of Martell's daring spirit, with each Icon shaping his own personal legacy."

Also announced at the private event was the next Martell Icon of Caractere, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Gustavo Galindo. Galindo was born to a Mexican father and Irish/Scottish/French mother in Mexico City, and moved to California at an early age. His bi-cultural background has led to globally-influenced music, and a unique character that has become a force to reckon with in the music industry. Galindo is the first of many Icons who will be revealed throughout the program.

"Looking back, I can attribute a lot of my success to men of exceptional character – from my father, who taught me to play guitar, to my soccer coaches, who taught me about team work and discipline, and of course, several world-renowned musicians who I admire, and have inspired me throughout my career," says Gustavo Galindo. "They all embody for me the true definition of the authentic passion and tenacity that Martell stands for. It's an honor to be named one of Martell's Icons of Caractere."

Martell Caractere made its debut in fall 2013, and is rooted in the approaching 300-year-old Martell Method, a unique distillation process passed down from Jean Martell himself. It is created using grapes sourced from Martell's own vineyards in the Domaine Jean Martell, distilled twice without lees and aged in fine-grain oak barrels. The Martell Cellar Master, Benoit Fil, combines a distinctive blend of two types of eaux-de-vie, the essential components of cognac. The result is a refined blend of elegant taste, revealing a generous character and subtle fruity notes that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in the finest cocktails. Martell Caractere's distinct tasting notes of citrus, tangerine peel, cinnamon and clove provide superb structure.

In addition to learning more about Martell Caractere, the Martell Icons of Caractere program and following Galindo's story, consumers are invited to visit Facebook.com/MartellCaractere to submit their own stories of character for a chance to win a once in a lifetime trip for the winner and a guest to travel to Cognac, France to visit the home of Martell Caractere, among other prizes.