Louis XIII Cognac, one of the most prestigious cognac brands in the world, is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the release of Rare Cask 42.6 by unveiling the latest addition to its rare cask collection: Rare Cask 42.1. This latest offering is a true wonder of time and nature, showcasing the ultimate expression of Louis XIII Cognac.

The eaux-de-vie that make up Rare Cask 42.1 come from the Domaine de Grollet, which is known as the confluence of the Louis XIII legacy. The collection of tierçons that lie in the shadows of the cellars of Domaine de Grollet is a treasure trove of eaux-de-vie, each with its own unique story to tell. These eaux-de-vie are distilled from the Cognac Grande Champagne terroir and represent the very essence of Louis XIII Cognac.

The French oak trees used to create the tierçons take over 100 years to reach maturity, and each one is said to have its own spirit that it imparts onto the eaux-de-vie. This is why every acorn planted is a promise of the gift of time and nature, as the team at Louis XIII thinks centuries ahead to create wonderful horizons for future generations.

The eaux-de-vie inside each tierçon are undergoing an enchanting transformation, deepening in color and developing emotional intensity that will one day radiate once brought into the light. The combination of the forces of time and nature acting through an endless number of interwoven cycles gives Louis XIII Cognac its inimitable complexity.

The Cellar Masters at Louis XIII are the visionaries and guardians of the brand’s legacy. They secure the distant future by preserving the brand’s heritage through an endless sequence of transmission. Baptiste Loiseau, the fifth-generation Cellar Master of Louis XIII, balances curiosity with humility to unceasingly build new knowledge into an ever-growing collective wisdom.

Discovering a Rare Cask is a unique moment in the life of a Louis XIII Cellar Master. It is a spontaneous, rare occurrence that may never happen in a single lifetime. The meticulous tasting of the eaux-de-vie as they age, part of the lifelong purpose of each Cellar Master, perpetuates the Louis XIII legacy. Rare Cask 43.8 was discovered in 2004 by previous Cellar Master Pierrette Trichet, and Rare Cask 42.6 was discovered in 2009 when Baptiste Loiseau and Pierrette Trichet were collaborating. For the third time in history, Baptiste Loiseau has uncovered Rare Cask 42.1.

This latest discovery is inexplicable and unpredictable. A single tierçon has just unveiled its uniquely exceptional aromatic profile, giving a distinct expression of Louis XIII Cognac that has never been encountered before, with an unexpected 42.1% ABV.

Baptiste Loiseau is inspired by the unknown and the unfamiliar, thriving in the possibilities that time can give and artfully sculpting the wonders of the future. A particular sensitivity is required to distinguish nature’s whispers amongst the silence. Carefully listening to the delicate conversations within the tierçon between the century-old oak and the eaux-de-vie, Baptiste Loiseau nurtures the expression of Rare Cask 42.1, letting his instinct decide the right moment for this wonder to be enjoyed in all its delight.

Rare Cask 42.1 is a gateway into the wonders of the world, embracing the realms of the unknown and the unfamiliar in the quest for the extraordinary. In March 2023, RARE CASK 42.1 is revealed to the world. The single tierçon provides a limited number of just over 775 decanters, specially crafted from black crystal by Baccarat. The forming of each decanter is a spectacular demonstration of the juxtaposition of art and savoirfaire: to achieve a perfect, jewel-like black finish requires incredible talent and utmost care. For a brief instant, 20 master craftsmen must work in unison in a race against time to complete more than 50 precise steps before the molten material solidifies into a radiant work of art. Ultimately, the decanter is dressed in a gold and rhodium finished neck, while the ring is finely engraved with quadrilobe patterns in reference to France’s fleur de lys. 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.

An exclusive event to be held in Venice, Italy, will celebrate the discovery of RARE CASK 42.1 and mark this special moment in time, with the theme ‘Care For Wonders’. A city that for hundreds of years has preserved a unique heritage, patrimony, and artistic beauty, Venice today remains a source of inspiration that draws creative minds from across the world. Joining lasting memories of events at the Guilin Caves, China for RARE CASK 43.8, and in Udaipur, India for RARE CASK 42.6, LOUIS XIII will once again share a spontaneous spirit with highly selected clients and media around the world, a new milestone into building 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.

To experience RARE CASK 42.1 globally and unravel its wonders, join the LOUIS XIII RARE CASK experience: https://rarecask-42-1.louisxiii-cognac.com