Louis XIII Rare Cask 42.1 Cognac (70cl)

It’s been 11 years since Louis XIII’s last Rare Cask release, and it’s impossible to say when the next one will be – they rely entirely on the unpredictable rhythms of nature. This time around, cellar master Baptiste Loiseau discovered a rare tierçon (a French oak cask that takes over a century to mature) that displayed such special qualities it could be released on its own, without blending – a rare occurrence, by any measure.

From that tierçon comes Louis XIII Rare Cask 42.1, named after its 42.1%V ABV. The cask provided enough liquid for 775 bottles, and the House was careful to ensure that the presentation of the Cognac was befitting of the once-in-a-decade occasion. Each Baccarat crystal bottle requires 20 craftsmen working in unison to create, and is as ornate and striking as the Cognac is complex and aromatic on the palate. Whether you choose to open it or save it, there’s no doubt that Rare Cask 42.1 represents a moment to be savoured.