James Martin set up business in Edinburgh in 1878.

James passed away in 1899 and the company changed names several times, but the brand name of his blend lived on. After the US prohibition Martin’s VVO gained huge popularity, and even without marketing by 1938 they had 9% of the Scotch market in the US.

Company mergers included Glenmorangie Distillery Co.

In the 1980’s the US market dwindled and the portfolio was cut down. However it stayed popular in Portugal through the 1990’s with it’s 20 and 30 YO decanters.

When LVMH bought Glenmorangie in 2004 the Martin’s brand was discontinued.