Rémy Cointreau Travel Retail Americas has introduced a $24,000 Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6 bottle exclusively with DFS North America in a black Baccarat crystal decanter.

 

The launch, last week, comes from only the second distinctive barrel to be discovered in the Cognac cellars of Rémy Martin that is considered to be of a high enough quality to warrant the Rare Cask badge.

 

The barrel in question contains only enough Cognac to produce 738 decanters of the product which has a taste profile described as having an “incredible richness and aromatic intensity” with notes of plum and dates, flavours of gingerbread, prune stone and ginger, and punctuated by a touch of tobacco leaf.

 

Rare Cask 42,6 (42.6% abv) is being distributed to a select list of retailers with each decanter engraved with a number from 001 to 738.

 

For the launch in the Americas duty free and travel retail channel, DFS North America will have exclusivity until 31 October. It was officially unveiled at LAX Tom Bradley International Terminal in a ceremony attended by DFS and Rémy Cointreau Travel Retail Americas (see main image). The product is housed in DFS’s Rare Pillar showcase.

 

Commenting on the Rare Cask 42,6, Edwin Garcia (below right), Marketing Director, Rémy Cointreau Travel Retail Americas, says: “As the ultimate expression of the house of Rémy Martin, we are confident connoisseurs worldwide will feel an immediate connection with our ultra-premium spirit. Rémy Cointreau Travel Retail Americas is certain this launch plan will help strengthen and grow our partnership with DFS North America and worldwide, as a key operator.”

 

Polly Nelson (below left), DFS North America Managing Director, adds: “In the past we have had success with bottles such as the Rémy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl for $55,000. Rémy Martin will be featured as part of our premium spirits in the new DFS locations in the new terminal at Los Angeles International Airport.”

 

 

CELLAR FIND

Pierrette Trichet, Cellar Master of the house of Rémy Martin, first discovered the cask in 2009 during her usual tastings of the 40- to 100-year-old eaux-de-vie aging in casks set aside for inclusion in the prestigious Louis XIII blend.

 

Noting its distinctive aromatic complexity, she began to follow its evolution more closely. In autumn 2012, Trichet and Deputy Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau tasted the contents of this cask and discovered it had finally achieved its perfect point of balance.

 

The first expression of Rare Cask 42,6 was released in 2010 to acclaim by connoisseurs. While both feature exceptional aromatic intensity and the unique characteristics that distinguish Louis XIII, there are notes prominent in each. The first revealed notes of wild mushrooms and candied fruit, and an alcohol content of 43.8% abv.

 

The decanter owes its shape to the famous Louis XIII bottle whose original design was inspired by a metal flask discovered on the site of a 16th century battle. A team of more than 20 master craftsmen complete more than 50 steps in creating a single decanter which is adorned with a 22-carat rose gold neck.