Cognac may not be the first thing you think to order at the bar, but we are here to tell you, that’s all about to change.
Forget what you think you know about Cognac. The slate has been wiped clean with the very exciting launch of the limited edition Rémy Martin Carte Blanche à Baptiste Loiseau.
You may be surprised to learn that the latest Grand Cellar master, Baptiste, is only 35 years old, having taken the reigns from legendary Pierrette Trichet, the first ever female cellar master.
Baptiste’s role at Remy Martin is one rooted in history and passion. He quite literally has years of heritage in his hands and it’s his job to carefully blend these years of hard work by his predecessors into a Cognac very much in line with the house’s signature style, while creating something truly special. No mean feat. He works closely with the vineyards throughout the season to ensure they harvest the exceptional quality grapes needed to go into a glass of Remy Martin cognac.
Having decided the time was right, his first blend is an homage to Pierrette. If you’ve never been to Cognac, you’ll get a sense of its very being with each sip. Tobacco, leather, black tea, it has a complexity and length that only comes with age (20+ years in this case). This is not a job for the impatient.
There is no commercial calendar involved in the release – when it’s ready, it’s ready. This simple truth is reflected in the stripped back bottle, rose gold foil and clean white lines.
We recommend drinking this special blend as a digestif – pair with chocolate & praline desserts to bring out the spicy notes of nutmeg, harmonious lilac and incense aromas.
We admire the house for having the faith in young Baptiste, something that should resonate with today’s Millennials. In fact one of the very first Cellar Master’s, Andre Renaud, was also a lawyer, poet & entrepreneur – an early advocate for seizing life and revealing all of your talents. Today’s fans of Remy include Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke and American hip hop artist Fetty Wap amongst others.
Just like Pharrell, you’ll have to wait until November to get your hands on a bottle of Rémy Martin Carte Blanche à Baptiste Loiseau. BUT with only 7000 bottles being released and with an RRP of £290, we caught up with Augustin, Exec Brand Director at Remy who told us his favourite places to enjoy a Remy Martin cocktail in London…
Sexy Fish
“Sexy Fish has a vibrant and stunning atmosphere, alongside a talented and passionate bar team.” – Augustin
To showcase the incontestable flair of their talented bar staff, Sexy Fish challenged their team to devise a multisensory XO Ritual to reflect the soul of the bar and create the perfect limited edition serve.
They came up with the Remy Martin XO Secret Garden – priced at £25 and with only FIVE available, the Rémy Martin XO serve sits a-top a brushed copper circular steel mermaid etched base and invites guests to twist the top to discover a hidden Japanese Zen garden. Each element of the visual reveal is edible and has been perfectly paired with the notes of the serve, beginning with a cloud of Jasmine smoke that reflects the rich floral nose of white flowers hidden within Rémy Martin XO. The flavour filled Japanese Zen garden setting is laid on a bed of rich and mature flavours including passion fruit and cherry crisp ‘soil,’ velvety ‘pebbles’ made from sour plum and soy honey combe, finished off with parmesan skin ‘Clouds’ to further complement the refined flavours.
34 Mayfair
“We’re delighted to have teamed up with modern classic restaurant, 34 Mayfair, to create an exclusive Rémy Martin XO serve which perfectly reflects the soul of both the bar and restaurant.” – Augustin
Bar Manager Daniele Liberati imagined a ritual incorporating smell, taste, touch and visual elegance. In his version of the Rémy Martin XO serve you’ll find a brushed copper circular coaster, which drinkers twist the top to discover a host of enlightening ingredients. Composed of Turkish delight made with rose petals, gold leaf truffles incorporating chocolate and caramel, and a candied nut crunch of sugar roasted almonds, pistachio, peanut and hazelnuts with white chocolate; all perfectly matched with the rich and mature flavours of Rémy Martin XO.
However, after trying Rémy Martin every which way – we adored the simple Rémy Grand Tonic – and it couldn’t be easier for you to make at home yourself this summer…
Rémy Grand Tonic
50ml Rémy Martin VSOP
10ml Dry vermouth
100ml Tonic water
Garnish with lemon wedge
Serve in a burgundy wine glass
Now you know what goes into a bottle of Remy Martin, it doesn’t matter where you enjoy it, you’ll be transported from London to Cognac after your first sip.
