Los Angeles Times

HOUSE OF MARTELL BRAND THROWS A GREAT COGNAC PARTY

- —DANIEL VASQUEZ for Martell Cognac

The future of house parties was on full display at a recent L.A. mansion blowout thrown by Cognac brand House of Martell in collaborat­ion with Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Jhené Aiko.

Everybody loves Aiko. But there was also an official excuse to dance, drink and make merry in a luxurious home setting: the unveiling of H.O.M.E. by Martell, a series of posh-but-chill house party experience­s hosted by the 302-year-old cognac brand to fete its newest release, Martell Blue Swift, a unique eau de vie de vin, made of 100 percent Martell VSOP Cognac then finished in bourbon casks from Kentucky. The H.O.M.E. by Martell experience is a celebratio­n of stylish home entertainm­ent. This unique initiative aims to showcase new perspectiv­es on the art of hosting, supplying precious tips and inspiring people across the world to hold H.O.M.E by Martell parties of their own.

H.O.M.E. by Martell is about throwing out the old house rules. Redefining and reimaginin­g the finer art of home soirees. House parties where mood music and sublime food are paired perfectly with Martell Blue Swift. The kind of party that can be thrown in a Hollywood mansion, or your home.

FIRST You Needed Sunglasses

The stars were out at the Sept. 28 L.A. Martell party. Rappers Wale and Quavo popped in. Among the Grammy owners in attendance, at least one had an Oscar at home, too. And many more A-listers who shall not be mentioned. You know how it is. You had to be there.

SECOND You Needed Dancing Shoes

Behind the mic and spinning the turntables were the likes of DJ Millie and DJ Omega. More than a few attendees got their groove back, that’s for sure.

THIRD Be Ready To Raise A Glass.

Martell Blue Swift was flowing. Freely. Oneon-one tastings were spread throughout various rooms of the house so guests could get a taste of the Martell’s new product, which features hints of plum, candied fruit and vanilla. They also enjoyed a delish signature elixir exclusivel­y created by Aiko and Martell: the Jhené Aiko Signature Cocktail, a.k.a. “Trip.” Her secret recipe: 2 ounces Martell Blue Swift, 1/2 ounce lime juice, 3/4 ounce ginger syrup, 1/2 ounce fresh pressed pineapple juice, all topped with a spritz of soda.

FINALLY You Needed Your Appetite

The party fare at this particular H.O.M.E. by Martell experience was served up by the cutting-edge culinary collective of chefs known as Ghetto Gastro. On the menu: fried chicken and coconut waffle, rice and beans, blue corn tacos, sweet potatoes and more. And for partygoers with a sweet tooth: Their choice of Martell Blue Swift sherbet and cantaloupe or Martell Blue Swift and caramel churro.

The next H.O.M.E. by Martell experience­s will be hosted in Washington, D.C. and Chicago in October; and in Atlanta, Detroit and Houston in November.

All events are private and invite-only. But ask around. You may know somebody on the guest list. Better yet: Dare to host your own Martell Blue Swift shindig.

 ?? Photo courtesy of Martell ?? Martell Blue Swift, a smooth taste and long toasted oak twist from Kentucky Bourbon casks for the perfect serve.
Photo courtesy of Martell Martell Blue Swift, a smooth taste and long toasted oak twist from Kentucky Bourbon casks for the perfect serve.
 ?? Photo courtesy of Martell ?? The party featured hostess Jhené Aiko’s signature cocktail.
Photo courtesy of Martell The party featured hostess Jhené Aiko’s signature cocktail.
 ?? Photo courtesy of Martell ?? Martell throws a classy-yet-chill house party, seen here at sunset in the Hollywood Hills.
Photo courtesy of Martell Martell throws a classy-yet-chill house party, seen here at sunset in the Hollywood Hills.

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