Louis XIII is not simply the finest Cognac in the world — it is one of the most profound expressions of time and craftsmanship in all of fine spirits. First created in 1874 by Paul-Émile Rémy Martin, it has been crafted using the same approach for 150 years: up to 1,200 individual eaux-de-vie, each sourced exclusively from Grande Champagne — the premier and most prestigious cru of the Cognac region — aged between 40 and 100 years in rare, centuries-old tierçon Limousin oak casks before being blended.

No single Cellar Master will ever taste their completed blend. The creation of Louis XIII spans multiple generations — each master selecting, watching, and passing their finest eaux-de-vie to the next. The result is a Cognac of extraordinary depth and continuity that cannot be rushed, hurried, or replicated. The iconic crystal decanter — hand-blown and hand-numbered, each unique — is inspired by a 16th-century royal flask discovered at the site of the Battle of Jarnac, adorned with a 20-carat gold neck and the fleur-de-lys. Rated 92 points by Wine Enthusiast.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Deep, rich amber with glowing golden highlights — the color of a century in oak

Nose: Myrrh, dried rose, honey, fig, plum, honeysuckle, cigar box, leather, and saffron. Pastry dough and maple with notes of old wood and antique leather — multi-layered and endlessly evolving.

Palate: Long and intensely woody — fig, dates, prunes, dried apricot, and vanilla at mid-palate. Candied plum and passion fruit emerge with time. Rich, velvety texture with exceptional presence.

Finish: Remarkably long — warm, smooth, and more oaky than fruity. The finish has been known to linger for over an hour.

FAQ

How long does Louis XIII take to make?
Up to 100 years. The eaux-de-vie that go into Louis XIII were laid down by Cellar Masters who will never taste the finished blend — because they won't live to see it. The Cognac you are drinking was begun, in part, by people who are no longer alive, and continued across multiple generations of master craftsmen. No other spirit in the world is made this way at this scale.

What makes Grande Champagne so special?
Grande Champagne is the premier cru of the Cognac region — a small appellation defined by its unique chalky, limestone soil (similar to the Champagne wine region in structure) which produces grapes that yield eaux-de-vie of exceptional finesse and aging potential. All 1,200 eaux-de-vie in Louis XIII come exclusively from this cru.

Where can I buy Louis XIII Cognac online?
Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast, insured shipping nationwide.