Representing Wine Guide Miami, I had the rare opportunity to meet with LOUIS XIII Cellar Master, Baptiste Loiseau, during his visit to Miami. In the exquisite “La Cava” wine room at the Faena Hotel on Miami Beach, Baptiste introduced me to the newly unveiled RARE CASK 42.1, only the third Rare Cask edition ever released, and Baptiste’s first.
A Legacy of Excellence in Cognac
LOUIS XIII was founded in 1874 by Paul-Emile Rémy Martin, and in years since has represented luxury and refinement in the world of wine and spirits. The brand is based on each Cellar Master’s choice of the highest quality selections of the eau-de-vie (unaged brandy) from grapes grown in the Cognac Grande Champagne Cru, the “grand cru” of the Cognac region.
After selecting the best eaux-de-vie, the liquid is aged in oak casks, with the eaux-de-vie with the greatest potential going into rare tierçons, which are larger than the usual barrels and used over and over throughout the course of 100 + years. It is through time that LOUIS XIII Cognac develops into the final product that is enjoyed by sophisticated drinkers around the globe. With balance, complexity, and finesse, the resulting spirit is a taste of history, exceptional terroir, and the specialized expertise of Cellar Masters from today, as well as those who came before.
LOUIS XIII RARE CASK
The Rare Cask limited edition bottles come from a single cask that is specifically designated by the Cellar Master, in this instance, Baptiste, as the single best cask. There have only been three occasions that a Rare Cask has been chosen: 2009, 2013, and 2023. Considering how few of them exist, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most sought-after bottles for discerning collectors of fine spirits.
Deciding on a Rare Cask is no easy task. Baptiste must rely on the choices made years and years before him by Cellar Masters of the past, who made their own selections of eaux-de-vie to assign to the top tierçons. These choices were made based on blind tastings, considering quality and aging potential above all else. Baptise’s job in choosing his Rare Cask is to find the one with the absolute perfect balance of acidity, complexity, texture, aromas, and flavors that will continue to showcase the standards of the highest level that further the legacy of the LOUIS XIII Rare Cask.
“To discover RARE CASK 42.1, I listened to my instincts and favored emotion to science. I call upon my memories.” – Baptiste Loiseau
In the case of RARE CASK 42.1 (the numbers representing the abv), launched earlier this year in Venice, Italy, Baptiste uncovered aromas and flavors that reminded him of his childhood growing up in Cognac. A true homegrown expert, Baptiste’s Rare Cask is an ode to memories of his grandfather. This edition expresses a vibrant bouquet of roses, nuts, and spices like nutmeg and ginger, along with peach, passionfruit, and a smokiness as the spirit evolves in the glass. No one aroma or flavor competes to beat out another, but a balanced symphony harmonizes as each note has its own solo performance. The composition is brought together with graceful acidity and a refined texture. An evolving masterpiece, guided by those who came before and realized by Baptiste.
“10 years have passed since the latest RARE CASK was revealed. A singular tierçon set apart for the unicity of its aromas, a true wonder reflecting the power of Nature, which sets the RARE CASK Collection apart. Today, we are thrilled to present the latest wonder RARE CASK 42.1, the result of Time and human talent caring for our Terroir. LOUIS XIII’s ultimate expression.”
– Jean-Philippe Hecquet, CEO of the house of Rémy Martin.
As LOUIS XIII continues to reveal this exceptional Cognac to clients on a global scale, RARE CASK 42.1 has been celebrated with exclusive tasting experiences in several cities around the world including Paris, Zurich, London, Dubai, Beverly Hills, New York, Las Vegas, Kuala Lumpur, and here in Miami.
RARE CASK 42.1 is available at Faena Hotel Miami Beach for $3,500 per 1 oz serving (price is subject to change).
To find out more about exclusive Miami tastings and places, check out our Miami page on Wine Guide Miami.
Jacqueline is a professional wine + travel writer, radio host, wine columnist, and consultant based in Miami, FL.
She is the monthly “Vino” columnist for Biscayne Times newspaper, a guest host covering the drinks segment on Linda Gassenheimer’s podcast show, “Food, News, and Views,” and Star Wine List’s Miami Ambassador.
Jacqueline is a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist & WSET 3.
