Rémy Martin turns 300 — A Year of Celebration
The House of Rémy Martin has been making cognac for 300 years—let that sink in.
Its inception pre-dates the Industrial Revolution and the popularisation of the novel. Their first bottling did, however, coincide with the beginning of the Age of Enlightenment; a not insignificant piece of synchronicity. They are one of the oldest and most esteemed drink makers in the world and to celebrate their tercentenary, they are pulling out all the stops – and corks – by sharing its birthday presents with the world.
The first of these gifts takes the form of the 300th Anniversary Coupe.
The truest tenet of perpetuity is change. Keep striving but never arrive – arrival means death. It is, of course, vitally important to draw upon the foundations that anchor us but torches must inevitably be passed down and ideas revamped. The 300th Anniversary is a symbol of this intergenerational alchemy. This special release was drawn from the previous Coupe of the 290th Anniversary – this expression taking direct cues from the 275th Anniversary Coupe.
Rémy Martin has always had faith in their progenitors; and that faith has been rewarded by 300 years of steadfast torch handling. Nothing exemplifies this more than the appointment of Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau. When Baptiste Loiseau became Cellar Master in 2014, he was, at 34, one of the youngest in the company’s history. He took over from Pierrette Trichet, the first woman to occupy this position in a major cognac house. The 300th Anniversary Coupe is perhaps his magnum opus.
“The perpetual reserve is as much a process as a legacy. When a new blend is created, part of it is set aside for future cellar masters. In turn, they will use it for the next Anniversary Coupe,” says Baptiste Loiseau. “To create the 300th Anniversary Coupe, I have come to enrich this blend with the treasures of our cellars and Grande Champagne terroir, which will be the legacy I leave to the next generation. By reserving some eaux-de-vie from this precious Coupe 300th Anniversary, the story will continue for future generations.”
Inspired by the iconic shape of the 250th Anniversary Coupe created in 1974, the glass carafe is enhanced with embossed lines, symbolising the forward motion of the Rémy Martin Centaur’s javelin, the iconic emblem of the House since 1870. The carafe is presented in a bespoke wooden case containing a special note from the Cellar Master and a unique QR code to access exclusive digital content on Remy Martin’s website.
Tasting Notes ~
- Color: A luminous amber patina.
- Nose: Radiance and directness with candied orange, passion fruit, sandalwood, leather, mixed spices, undergrowth, floral notes. Rancio notes have retained freshness.
- Palate: Candied fruit, passion fruit, fig, exotic fruits, nuts, discreet oaky notes, elegance and tension, a very long finish.
- Body: An impressive structure, a firework on the palate, and a refined fresh fruit expression with a persistence that prolongs the tasting experience.
Beyond this uncorking of this very special bottle is the opening up of the house that birthed it. Spring 2024 saw the historical house of Rémy Martin reopen its doors after several years of renovations. At the crossroads of urbanity and rural bliss, the sumptuous setting magnifies a 300-year legacy, taking visitors on a voyage into the very soul of Rémy Martin.
Elevated through the collaboration with local artisans and internationally acclaimed artists, the project was fuelled by a commitment to safeguard the heritage of the House, while also embracing its modernity and innovative spirit. This subtle balance between tradition, presence, and future-thinking is reflected in every space, every detail, and every visitor itinerary, affirming the House of Rémy Martin’s determination to reaffirm its position as a landmark in the heart of Cognac.
“The reopening of the historic Rémy Martin House opens a new chapter in our family heritage. By partnering with winemakers in Grande and Petite Champagne, and sponsoring new talent around the world, we strive to perpetuate this legacy for the next 300 years. It epitomises three centuries of excellence and savoir-faire handed down from generation to generation, and testifies to our deep attachment to the terroir and those who cultivate it.” Marie-Amélie de Leusse, Chairwoman of the Rémy Cointreau Group.
