Named after a French monarch who was known to be an erudite man who was a patron of the arts and refined living, Louis XIII is a cognac among cognacs; a spirit that embodies passion, dedication, and an emphasis on quality. Florian Hériard Dubreuil, a scion of Maison Rémy Martin, was recently in the country to extol the merits of the Louis XIII and to drive home the brand’s message to think a century ahead – a message that stems from the fact that the cognac is aged for the better part of 100 years and is considered a treasure the world stands to lose if mankind continues to ignore the devastating impact of climate change. 

Dubreuil gave guests at an exclusive luncheon at Mirèio at the Raffles Makati last 27 November a taste of a most exquisite spirit. Blended from more than 1,200 eaux-de-vie all sourced from Grande Champagne, the premiere cru of France’s Cognac region, Louis XIII is a deep amber-coloured distillation whose nose exudes top notes of toffee and roasted hazelnut that mellow to a more floral profile with dried roses and spring honeysuckle. On the palate, it starts off with the rich, plummy character of Agen prunes and dried apricots and startles the drinker with a hit of cinnamon and ginger overlaid by honey and roasted hazelnuts.

“You can actually perceive over 250 aromas and flavours as you take sips of the cognac,” Dubreuil explained regarding the somewhat complex character of the Louis XIII. “It is a different experience for everyone.”Visually, the bottle Louis XIII is packaged in is also a magnificent one. Its signature bottle is modelled after an unusually designed drinking canteen recovered from a battlefield, but rendered in magnificent hand-crafted crystal by renowned glass manufacturers Baccarat, Saint-Louis, and Cristallerie de Sèvres.

The Louis XIII is more than just another cognac. It is a taste of history: rich, exceptional, and infused with the passion of those who have made it.