Cover Grand Marnier Quintessence
Grand Marnier Quintessence
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Inspired by its archives, the limited release is one of two rare grand cuvees from the Exceptional Range, and only 48 bottles are available in Singapore
When Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle began stirring French cognac with citrus bigaradia, a once-rare aromatic bitter orange, little did the Marnier family know that it would pave the way for the emblematic Grand Marnier orange liqueur. Nearly two centuries later, it is now widely known and loved by imbibers who seek indulgence in classic tipples such as a vivacious margarita or the toothsome sidecar.
With the debut of Quintessence, one of two rare grand cuvees from the Exceptional Range, the cognac house sets out to honour and elevate a timeless expression in opulent fashion. And rightfully so. After all, this ultimate assemblage of cognac and bigaradia orange is in fact the oldest and rarest cognac in Grand Marnier’s long history.
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Above Citrus bigaradia
Citrus bigaradia
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Cognac, orange essence, wood, and time: the Quintessence boasts superior complexity and is best savoured on its own. Drawing from the personal reserves of the Marnier Lapostolle family cellar, the blend is made of not just the exclusive hors d'âge cognacs from Grand Champagne that are aged up to 70 years, but also the rest of 11 selected barrels, among which two are from 1947, and three demijohns from Paradis that are reputed to be even older.
The spirit then goes through a maceration process with bigaradia orange peels and is carefully double-distilled for plenty of depth and flavour. The result is a smooth drinking copper-hued vintage that has intense aromas of vanilla, citrus and almond while redolent with the warmth of apricots, toasted walnuts and bitter orange on the palate.
Grand Marnier Quintessence
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Holding the Quintessence as well as complementing it, is a tear-drop-shaped decanter handmade by celebrated French crystal makers Baccarat which takes reference to the original Grand Marnier bottle made centuries ago. The exquisite packaging continues with a cream-coloured box lavishly adorned with a crystal handle that opens to reveal the Quintessence alongside a handmade stopper and four tasting glasses.
“It’s a rare experience to drink this, even to imagine this kind of cognac is rare,” expresses historic master blender Patrick Raguenaud. “The sensation, the feeling, the perception of what you smell, it is unforgettable. When you blend for Quintessence, you blend a heritage.”
Grand Marnier Quintessence is an exclusive collection available only at fine retailers in selective markets, with only 500 bottles available worldwide. Only 48 bottles are available for purchase in Singapore.
