Martell 3 Star Cognac 1970’s
70cl / 70 Proof%
£129.00
- Region: France
A piece of Cognac history, this 1970s bottling of Martell 3 Star showcases the house’s signature style, crafted from a high proportion of Borderies grapes—known for their floral, nutty character. Bottled at 40% ABV (70 Proof) in a classic 700ml format, this golden-hued brandy delivers notes of dried apricot, toasted almonds, and vanilla, with a smooth, mellow finish.
Founded in 1715, Martell remains one of Cognac’s most revered houses, and this 3 Star (VS-equivalent) expression from the 1970s offers a glimpse into its timeless craftsmanship. A collector’s item for vintage spirit enthusiasts.
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1970s presentation of Martell’s 3 Star/VS-level cognac, 40% and c. 68–70cl, now sold mainly as a vintage bar/display bottle.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Producer / Region | Martell, Cognac, France |
| Category | Cognac (3 Star / VS) |
| Era / Bottled | 1970s bottling (duty labels, bottle shape and box consistent with 1970s retail) |
| ABV & Size(s) | Typically 40% ABV; bottles seen at 68cl, 70cl and 24 fl oz; one listing notes 70 proof/24 fl oz |
| Cru / Eaux-de-vie | Not stated by the producer (standard 3 Star blend) |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not applicable |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Outturn | Not stated (1970s continuous production) |
| Intended channel | General retail / gifting (now vintage/collectables) |
| Packaging | 1970s-style bottle, sometimes with original presentation box |
| Notes on discrepancies | Volume and strength vary slightly by market (70cl/40%, 68cl/40%, 24 fl oz/70 proof); list exact spec from the bottle you have. |
Historical Context
In the 1970s Martell sat alongside Hennessy, Courvoisier and Rémy as one of the big four cognac houses, and its 3 Star was the everyday expression – roughly equivalent to today’s VS. These bottles were widely exported, which is why UK, EU and US formats all exist, some in 24 fl oz, some 68cl, some 70cl. Today, because 1970s cognac packaging is unmistakeable and because old-stock bottles are often still full and attractive, vintage retailers price them well above modern VS, typically in the £140–£220 range depending on box and condition. At auction, especially in mixed old-cognac sessions, they can go for much less, which is why condition and presentation are crucial if you want to command the higher price.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
Documented variants
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Martell 3 Star Cognac, 1970s, 70cl, 40%, with original presentation box.
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Martell 3 Star Cognac, 1970s, 68cl, 40%, bottle-only (UK/Euro format).
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Martell 3 Star Cognac, 1970s, 24 fl oz, 70 proof, US-facing format.
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Pairs/lots of 1970s–1980s Martell 3 Star 34cl x2 at 40% also appear.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40% | 70cl (with box) | UK retail, 1970s | Original 1970s box and label | Highest |
| 40% | 68cl | Europe, 1970s | Slightly smaller, 1970s label | High |
| 70 proof (~40%) | 24 fl oz | US/UK export, 1970s | 24 fl oz on label | Condition-led |
| 40% | 34cl x2 lot | Auction | Small bottles | Lower per-bottle value |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
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Label must show Martell, 3 Star, and the 1970s styling (crest, script).
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Check the closure (capsule/cork): after 50 years, corks can dry; call out any seepage.
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Check the fill level: bottom-neck or better is good; mid-shoulder should be discounted.
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If a presentation box is included, it lifts value significantly; 1970s boxes often show rubbing or fading – describe it.
Regulatory/terminology notes
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This is a straight 3 Star/VS cognac – do not describe it as XO/VSOP.
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No cru is stated, so write “Not stated by the producer”.
Liquid Profile (typical 1970s VS)
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Nose: Floral and grapey, light rancio from age in bottle, a little caramel and vanilla.
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Palate: Soft, sweet, raisiny, with light oak and caramel.
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Finish: Short-to-medium, clean, sweet.
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With water: Not customary for cognac.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
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UK vintage seller (boxed 1970s 3 Star): £219.97 for a clean, boxed bottle.
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UK vintage seller (1960s/70s 3 Star, 68cl): £145.00, bottle-only.
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Auction records for Martell 3 Star and similar-aged VS in the UK often land lower – £50–£90 depending on fill and whether it is part of a mixed cognac lot.
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Pricing stratification: boxed 70cl at the top (~£200+); 68cl bottle-only in the £120–£160 zone; low-fill or odd-size bottles in the £50–£100 auction zone.
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Liquidity: sells to vintage bar builders and cognac collectors; sealed/cellared examples with box are the quickest movers.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK vintage retail | 1970s, boxed, 24 fl oz/70cl, 70 proof/40% | 219.97 | Top-end listed price |
| UK vintage retail | 1960s/70s, 68cl, 40% | 145 | Bottle-only |
| UK auction (typical) | 1970s Martell 3 Star, bottle-only | 50–90 | Fill and label condition drive result |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Martell, founded 1715, is one of the major Cognac houses. Its 3 Star was its mass-market calling card for decades, and 1970s examples capture that era’s packaging and spirit style – lighter, sweeter, meant for easy drinking or mixed service.
Sourcing
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Target: 1970s bottle with legible label, high fill, and (ideally) original box.
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Avoid: low-fill, stained labels, leaking capsules – or discount them heavily.
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Buy sub-£100 at auction for bottle-only; list £140–£200 depending on presentation.
