LOUIS XIII: From generation to generation

The LOUIS XIII Legacy's tierçons, which are hidden in the Domaine de Grollet's cellars, are wonders in and of themselves. Together, they possess a priceless assortment of eaux-devie, priceless memories distilled from the terroir of Cognac Grande Champagne, from which LOUIS XIII Cognac is born.

Each tierçon is produced from French oak trees that mature after more than 100 years and is said to have a distinct essence that mingles with the eaux-de-vie. Every acorn planted is a promise of the gift of Time and Nature; Louis XIII opens up wonderful vistas for future generations by planning centuries in advance.

Kept in obscurity and seemingly undisturbed, the eaux-de-vie inside are undergoing an enchanting transformation. They deepen with emotional intensity and fascinating mahogany hues that will one day radiate once brought into light. The combined forces of Time and Nature acting through an endless number of interwoven cycles give LOUIS XIII Cognac its inimitable complexity.

LOUIS XIII Cellar Masters are guardians and visionaries who ensure the distant future by preserving our legacy through a never-ending cycle of transmission in order to preserve a timeless spirit whose soul is unwavering and perpetually reborn. Fifth generation Cellar Master of LOUIS XIII Baptiste Loiseau combines curiosity with humility—the art of wondering—to continuously add new knowledge to an ever-expanding body of knowledge.

The uncovering of a RARE CASK is a unique moment in the life of a LOUIS XIII Cellar Master, as such a spontaneous, rare occurrence may never happen in a single lifetime.

“While the singularity of a RARE CASK rests on a miracle given by nature, the know-how that is necessary to its creation was born from a transmission of an art, from generation to generation, where each cellar master perpetuates the gestures of his predecessors.” – says Baptiste Loiseau.

Each Cellar Master's lifelong goal is to uphold the LOUIS XIII Legacy, which includes the meticulous tasting of the eaux-de-vie as they mature and the never-ending transmission of savoir-faire. Former Cellar Master Pierrette Trichet found RARE CASK 43.8 in 2004. Baptiste Loiseau and Pierrette Trichet uncovered RARE CASK 42.6 in 2009. Baptiste Loiseau discovers RARE CASK 42.1 for the third time in history, breaking with the flow of time as usual.

Inexplicable and unpredictable, a single tierçon has just unveiled its uniquely exceptional aromatic profile, giving a distinct expression of LOUIS XIII Cognac never encountered before, and with an unexpected 42.1% ABV.

The unknown and the strange motivate Baptiste Loiseau, who thrives in the opportunities that time can offer and skillfully creates the wonders of the future. It takes a special kind of awareness to hear Nature's whispers in the stillness. Baptiste Loiseau nurtures the expression of RARE CASK 42.1 while carefully observing the delicate conversations occurring within the tierçon between the century-old oak and the eauxde-vie. He lets his instinct determine the ideal time for this marvel to be appreciated in all its awe.

“To discover Rare Cask 42.1, I listened to my instincts and favored emotion to science. I call upon my memories.” – says Baptiste Loiseau

UNIQUE CASK 42.1 will be made public in March 2023, 10 years after it was first discovered. There are only a little more than 775 decanters in the single tierçon, each of which was specifically made by Baccarat from black crystal. Each decanter is formed in a spectacular display of the fusion of art and savoir-faire; to achieve a flawless, jewel-like black finish calls for extraordinary talent and uttermost care. For a fleeting moment, 20 master craftsmen must collaborate to complete more than 50 exact steps in a race against time before the molten material solidifies into a brilliant work of art. Finally, the decanter is adorned with a neck finished in gold and rhodium, and the ring is exquisitely engraved with quadrilobe designs that are a nod to the fleur de lys of France.

RARE CASK 42.1 is the first edition to be presented as a ritual set. The black crystal decanter is accompanied by crystal glasses ornated with black quatrefoils and a serving pipette featuring a black medallion.

The discovery of RARE CASK 42.1 will be honoured at a special event with the subject "Care For Wonders" that will take place in Venice, Italy. Venice, a city that has for hundreds of years maintained a distinctive legacy, patrimony, and artistic beauty, continues to be an inspiration that attracts artists from all over the world. In addition to the enduring memories of the RARE CASK events in Udaipur, India for RARE CASK 42.6, and the Guilin Caves, China for RARE CASK 43.8, LOUIS XIII will once more share a spontaneous spirit with carefully chosen clients and media around the world, marking a new step in creating a timeless legacy.

With RARE CASK 42.1, LOUIS XIII reminds us of the importance of caring for wonders – for Time and Nature, at the crossroads of art and savoir-faire – so that they can continue to be enjoyed by the world.

The discovery of this RARE CASK will also be made possible through an exclusive tasting experience in several cities around the world, including Paris, Zurich, London, Dubai, Beverly Hills, New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Kuala Lumpur.

Discover more: CARE FOR WONDERS