Rémy Martin cognacs have a cult-like following and have been associated with royalty, dignitaries, and a-list celebrities. The best Rémy Martin cognacs bring the exquisite flavours of Ugni Blanc grapes distilled into a fine aged cognac.
In 1724, Rémy Martin began his journey by selling cognacs under his own name. By 1738, King Louis XV of France generously grants the young Martin the rare right to expand his grapevines in recognition of his excellence in crafting cognacs.
Best Rémy Martin Cognacs
The best Rémy Martin cognacs have received numerous accolades for their depth, smoothness, and flawlessly blended richness. Here are 5 to consider.
1. Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac
Overview
- Distiller: Rémy Martin
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Rich Amber
Review
Andre Renaud was Rémy Martin’s first Cellar Master who later became Rémy Martin’s house chairman. In 1927 he created the very first VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac, and the bottle’s design was changed in 1972 to today’s iconic black frosted bottle.
The blend embodies the perfect merger of powerful yet elegant aromas that exquisitely combine Eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus, aged in limousin oak barrels (source).
On The Nose
The fragrance of dried fruit enhances the aroma of vanilla and baked apple (which reminds me of a rich calvados).
On The Palate
Ripe, honeyed fruit elegantly mixes with subtle hints of liquorice and finishes smoothly with candied pear and apricot.
Best Served
Enjoy Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac neat on the rocks to savour its light and fresh tones. It also mixes well into a tonic or ginger ale, plus the Rémy Ginger cocktail.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal
Overview
- Distiller: Rémy Martin
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Deep Amber
Review
Review
Rémy Martin’s 1738 Royal Accord is a commemoration of the honour bestowed on Monsieur Martin for his cognac creations. King Louis XV of France gave his royal permission for Rémy to plant new vineyards (source).
Rémy Martin uses a soft barrel toasting process to ensure the incredible smoothness of the somewhat oaky Eaux-de-vie. I feel this versatile cognac is well worth the investment, especially if you are new to cognac.
On The Nose
Scents of rich plum and fig infused with the aromas of smooth oak and delicate whiffs of sweet toffee.
On The Palate
The opening is slightly dry, with notes of semi-sweet butterscotch giving way to a rich flavour of spicy fruits. The finish is smooth with oak and dark chocolate.
Best Served
This flavoursome cognac is best served neat. It can also be enjoyed in a classic cocktail such as the Sidecar with a dash of orange.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Rémy Martin Tercet Cognac Fine Champagne
Overview
- Distiller: Rémy Martin
- ABV: 42% (84 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Mahogany
Review
Review
Rémy Martin Tercet Cognac Fine Champagne showcases the expertise of three Masters of their craft, the Cellar Master, Master Distiller, and Wine Master. It incorporates knowledge passed down through generations.
A splendid mix of exotic Eaux-de-vie from Fine Champagne crus reflects a new house style for Rémy Martin with its tropical fruit and spice blend to mark the first of Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau’s permanent addition to the house range.
On The Nose
Wafts of tropical fruit blend with hints of spice from cinnamon and ginger.
On The Palate
A bold yet smooth opening of pineapple and dried fruits, mid-palate brings cinnamon and ginger, finishing off with a mix of a sweet yet spicy fruity kick.
Best Served
Enjoyed neat on a solid ice cube, enhances its boldness, and brings out its uplifting freshness. Also, try it in a Brandy Flip or a Corpse Reviver No. 1.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Rémy Martin XO Cognac
Overview
- Distiller: Rémy Martin
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Deep Amber
Review
Rémy Martin XO Cognac was created in 1981 by Cellar Master Andre Giraud. This beautifully fashioned cognac is blended with an eye-popping 400 different Eaux-de-vie blends, then aged to perfection in French oak barrels.
As for the striking bottle, the brand sought the artistic design of Belgian designer, poet, and artist Charles Kaisin to create something just as visually alluring for the eyes. Also, I recommend you consider trying Hennessy XO Cognac.
On The Nose
Candied orange, rich plum and cinnamon baked pastries.
On The Palate
There is a semi-sweet opening of fig, plum and candied orange with the spiciness of cinnamon and saffron in the middle. The finish of honeyed chocolate and ginger.
Best Served
Best served neat with a single rock. Also works incredibly well in an Old Fashioned Cocktail, with two ice cubes and garnished with a sliver of orange peel.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Rémy Martin XO Cognac Atelier Thiery Limited Edition
Overview
- Distiller: Rémy Martin
- ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Deep Amber
Review
Need a thoughtful and exquisite gift for the person who has everything? Rémy Martin XO Atelier Thiery Limited Edition pairs the original Rémy Martin XO cognac with a presentation decanter.
The re-envisioned decanter of Rémy Martin XO cognac is expertly designed by Atelier Thiery, where 18-karat gold leaf adorns the decanter in this limited edition of pure beauty and luxury.
On The Nose
Aromas of candied orange, plum and cinnamon pastries.
On The Palate
The open is semi-sweet, revealing fig, plum and candied orange with warming cinnamon and saffron in the middle. A dark finish of chocolate and ginger.
Best Served
This cognac needs to be enjoyed neat with a single rock. Also works incredibly well with my favourite evening tipple, the Old Fashioned Cocktail.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Andrew’s Top Pick
Rémy Martin XO Cognac
Rémy Martin XO Cognac is my top pick because the rich fig, plum and candied orange fruitiness pairs well with the discreet spiciness of cinnamon, saffron, dark chocolate and ginger.
Understanding Cognac Age Lettering
A simple lettering system displays the age of the cognac;
| Label | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| V.S | Very Special | The youngest eau-de-vie is aged for a minimum of 2 years |
| V.S.O.P | Very Special Old Pale | The youngest eau-de-vie is aged for a minimum of 4 years |
| X.O | Extra Old | The youngest eau-de-vie is aged for a minimum of 10 years. |
| X.X.O | Extra, Extra Old | The youngest eau-de-vie is aged for a minimum of 14 years |
Rémy Martin Cognac Q&A
What Is Special About Rémy Martin Cognac?
Rémy Martin cognacs are produced in France and protected under the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC). Under this law, the cognac must comply with three requirements to be honoured with the brand cognac.
Firstly, it must be made from Ugni grapes. Secondly, distillation must be done twice through copper pots, and thirdly the Eaux-de-vie must be laid to rest and age for a bare minimum of two years in French oak barrels.
The Centaur emblem that is apparent on all the Rémy Martin cognac bottles was designed in 1830 as the house’s first emblem and represented Rémy as this was his star sign.
Is Rémy Martin A Good Cognac?
Rémy Martin is an excellent cognac that can hold its head high as a sophisticated cognac that carries its age well. Much like Hennessy, cognac enthusiasts still enjoy Rémy Martin cognac as a smooth and versatile all-rounder that is easily enjoyed on its own or as a mix in cocktails.
How Much Does Rémy Martin Cognac Cost?
Rémy Martin cognacs range in price according to the age of the Eaux-de-vie mixed to create different quality aged cognacs. A 750ml Rémy Martin VSOP bottle can start you off at $35 (£40), increasing for a much more complex and aged bottle of Rémy Martin XO.
However, prices can reach well over the $20,000 (£24,000) range, especially if the blend of Eaux-de-vie is over 100 years old and presented in an exquisitely crafted Baccarat decanter.
Is Rémy Martin A Brandy Or Champagne?
Rémy Martin is a cognac but is often confused between brandy and champagne. The cognac is a fruit brandy made from the Ugni grapes found in the crus (regions) of Grande Champagne, Fine Champagne, and Pettie Champagne regions in France.
Conclusion
Cognac has a rich history, and the best Rémy Martin cognacs are the quintessential blending of expertly aged Eaux-de-vie that is carefully and skillfully grown in the Champagne crus of France.
Incredibly versatile, they can be enjoyed in several ways, from slowly sipping neat to mixing with a refreshing tonic or, as my personal favourite cocktail, the old fashioned.
I must say that if you are relatively new to cognac, Rémy Martin XO is like moving from a black & white TV to colour 8k HD. I agree this is expensive, but you can buy smaller 35cl bottles.
Also Read: Best Brandy For A Sidecar? Try These Incredible 12
Further Reading
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