Looking Back to Move Forward

Baptiste Loiseau, cellar master at Louis XIII, explains how retrospection is key to crafting the latest Rare Cask 42.1.

- KENNETH SZ GOH

For close to 150 years, there have been only three Louis XIII Rare Casks. Two are synonymous with classic autumnal flavours — stone fruit, figs, nuts. This time around, however, floral notes and freshness are at the forefront. The twist in tradition marks cellar master Baptiste Loiseau’s stamp on the French cognac house, bringing his singular vision to an established brand.

Loiseau was the youngest cellar master in Louis XIII’s history when he took up the role at the age of 34 after its first female cellar master Pierrette Trichet retired in 2014 at 62. The last Rare Cask, a single barrel of eaux-de-vie selected by the cellar master from hundreds for its exceptional flavour, was released a decade ago.

To celebrate the launch of Rare Cask 42.1, Louis XIII producer Remy Martin threw a glitzy dinner in Venice in March attended by over 120 global elite. The well-dressed guests were the perfect audience for a S$71,888 cognac in a posh crystal decanter. The previous Rare Casks, selected by Trichet, were released in 2009 and 2013 and retailed for 10,000 euros (S$14,665) and 18,000 euros, respectively.