Photo via Daniel Kelleghan for Rémy Martin
Since 1724, the House of Rémy Martin has been producing premium spirits that consistently appeal to the world’s most discerning drinkers, focusing especially on Cognac. This long-held, and much awarded, tradition of excellence if overseen by the Deputy Cellar Master, of which there have only been five in the brand’s history.
In 2012, Baptiste Loiseau became the fifth Deputy Cellar Master in over 290 years, but he did not make his first Chicago visit until this year. While in the Windy City, Baptiste gave us an exclusive look at the history of Rémy Martin, as well as a taste of two marques within the brand’s portfolio: Rémy Martin 1738 and Rémy Martin XO.
The brand will also be launching a new blend this coming fall to be distributed across the US, so keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, Baptiste has more knowledge and food pairing recommendations about this long-loved brand …
Photo via Daniel Kelleghan for Rémy Martin
DiningOut: Tell us a little about the history of Rémy Martin.
Baptiste Loiseau: For generations, The House of Rémy Martin has passed the knowledge and craftsmanship from one Cellar Master to the next. Each new Cellar Master is selected by the current Cellar Master and is mentored and trained for years before fully moving into this role. I am the fifth Cellar Master for the House of Remy Martin in over 290 years—a testament to the amount of time and dedication it takes to be a Cellar Master for Rémy Martin. Creating exceptional cognacs through revealing talents is a passion and a legacy that is passed down from one generation to the next: the talents of nature, the talents of winegrowers, the talents of coopers, and the talents of cellar masters who craft the blends.
Photo via Daniel Kelleghan for Rémy Martin
What does the brand mean to you?
Rémy Martin is the only major cognac house to have been founded by a winegrower, almost 300 years ago in 1724. Rémy Martin uses only grapes from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, two most sought after growing areas of the cognac region due to its chalky soils that help grow the most aromatic grapes. I am honored to be a part of a brand that is the epitome of opulence and luxury.
Photo via Rémy Martin
How would you describe the flavor profile of Rémy Martin 1738 and Rémy Martin XO?
Rémy Martin 1738 has generous notes of plum and fig, rounded out by intense oaky notes of toffee and nutty aromas. It has balanced oaky notes of butterscotch with hints of chocolate and spices. It is also exceptionally round with a rich, creamy finish.
Rémy Martin XO smells like a wide spectrum of stone fruits and floral notes such as jasmine and iris. It is opulent, with rich flavors of stone fruits with hints of hazelnut and cinnamon. Finally, it has a refined, velvety body that lingers on the palate.
Photo via Rémy Martin
What foods would you pair those with?
Rémy Martin 1738 pairs well with fruits such as plums and figs and sweets such as chocolate and toffee.
Rémy Martin XO pairs well with deeper flavors such as bread, hazelnuts, macaroons, and gingerbread.
By Kaleigh Glaza, Online Editor
Photo via Daniel Kelleghan for Rémy Martin
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