Years of craftsmanship led to the unveiling of Rare Cask 42.1, a representation of time and nature for Louis XIII Cognac. The cask’s theme, “Care for Wonders”, was presented in Venice and reflected the mastery and delicacy of the discovery. This special liquid will be available at select global locations, including the Vesper Bar at the Dorchester in London, the only place on earth you can enjoy the entire rare cask collection.
Fifth-generation Cellar Master of Louis XIII, Baptiste Loiseau, uncovered Rare Cask 42.1 in the cellars of the Domaine du Grollet. There, extensive tierçons possess a priceless collection of eaux-de-vie distilled from the terroir of Cognac Grande Champagne, where Louis XIII Cognac was born. Rare Cask 42.1 marks a significant moment in Loiseau’s career, as the discovery of this liquid, is a once in a lifetime occurrence for many accomplished cellar masters.
Why 42.1? Tierçons are wooden barrels carved from French oaks, taking over 100 years to reach prime maturity. Over the years, each eaux-de-vie liquid intensifies, developing mahogany tones. One particular tierçon held an unexpected aromatic character and 42.1% ABV. This unique alcohol by volume percentage gave the rare cask its name and each bottle is £47,000.
Each Cellar Master is responsible for tasting maturing eaux-de-vie to ensure the Louis XIII legacy. Years before Rare Cask 42.1, Baptiste Loiseau and fellow Cellar Master Pierrette Trichet uncovered Rare Cask 42.6 in 2009, and Pierette discovered Rare Cast 43.8 in 2004. Together, they defied time with these novel discoveries, solidifying Louis XIII’s position as a leading cognac producer.
A limited 775 black crystal decanters were produced and will be exclusively available at the Louis XIII Boutique at Harrods. Each decanter has been made using rare black crystal crafted by Baccarat. Its dark, jewel-like finish is created by twenty master artisans, who must work quickly to shape the crystal in its molten yet mouldable temperature. Each glossy black case is then dressed in gold and engraved with patterns in reference to France’s fleur-de-lis.
Rare Cask 42.1 is the first edition to be presented as a ritual set accompanied by Pillet crystal glasses with with black quatrefoils and a handy serving pipette.
To discover more, visit: louisxiii-cognac.com
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All imagery courtesy of Louis XIII Cognac.