Cover Martell’s cellar master Christophe Valtaud and senior master blender Christian Guerin nosing fine cognacs
Martell’s cellar master Christophe Valtaud and senior master blender Christian Guerin nosing fine cognacs
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Tatler+
Exclusive access to rare products and ultra-bespoke experiences, including visits to the brands’ maisons, make Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard your passport to an extraordinary world of wine and spirits
Few names resonate with the same weight in the luxury spirits sphere as Pernod Ricard, which owns prestigious brands such as Royal Salute, Martell, and Perrier-Jouët. With unparalleled access to the most coveted liquids in the world, the group launched Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard, a private client society that invites a community of like-minded members to indulge in a lifestyle steeped in high-end experiences and the art of conviviality. Founded to celebrate craftsmanship and exclusivity, membership is by invitation only, drawing influential figures from business, culture, and society.
And unlike most luxury clubs that may entertain applications or memberships based on financial means alone, Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard extends invitations based on personal affinity for their brand’s exclusive offerings, appreciation of its legacy, and enthusiasm for understanding the craft. The club’s exclusivity is also heightened by its discretion as Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard does not publicly disclose its membership list. For those in Le Cercle, luxury isn’t another buzzword. Instead, it is a passport to extraordinary experiences that fuse ultra luxury events with fine and rare spirit craftsmanship.
Discerning members can access rare and limited-edition spirits, private tastings with master distillers, and curated society and cultural experiences that blend sports, art, and gastronomy. This isn’t just about savouring the finest whisky and cognac; it is also about forging connections with like-minded members who share a passion for exquisite experiences in absolute bespoke settings. In September of this year, the F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2024 set the perfect stage for a glimpse into Le Cercle’s privileges, where 25 distinguished members from eight countries across Asia were invited to an extraordinary three-day journey that intertwined the high-speed thrills of the electrifying F1 Singapore Grand Prix with the elegance of world-class spirits.
In case you missed it: Royal Salute’s new Art of Wonder whisky is designed by award-winning sculptor Conrad Shawcross
Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard F1 party exclusive to its members
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Curated Affairs
Come qualifying day, as the engines roared and the cars zipped around the track, members of Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard reveled in exclusive insights from Team Scuderia Ferrari, starring team principal and general manager, Frédéric Vasseur, and got the chance to meet racing driver Charles Leclerc on an exclusive garage tour. Autographed memorabilia became treasured keepsakes, while guests enjoyed private and expansive views of the race at the newly refurbished Mandarin Oriental Singapore. The presidential suites were intentionally designed as a sanctuary for high-profile conversations and connections, complete with secret bars and an opulent buffet. One of the standout dishes was the London duck, with an explosive flavour combination that paired well with The Sussex cocktail, a delightful concoction of 21-year-old Royal Salute whisky, basil-infused maraschino liqueur, and red chilli.
For guests who preferred to immerse themselves further in the world of racing, a state-of-the-art F1 simulator was made available to test their skills on Singapore’s famed night race track. With wraparound screens providing an exhilarating experience, attendees felt the adrenaline rush of racing without ever leaving their seats. And to fuel a deeper appreciation for exquisite whiskies, Royal Salute’s master blender Sandy Hyslop also hosted appreciation masterclasses about the artistry behind the fine spirits, gracing the room with his expertise and adding an educational twist to an already thrilling evening.
Don't miss: Sandy Hyslop on Creating the Royal Salute’s Most Exclusive Whisky Yet
Above Les Remarquables de Martell presented in a stunning dame-jeanne
Les Remarquables de Martell presented in a stunning dame-jeanne
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In a delightful twist that only Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard could deliver, a secret room hidden just behind the hotel suite’s bar revealed the prized Les Remarquables de Martell, the world’s most expensive cognac valued at over one million euros (S$1.42 million) and presented in a stunning dame-jeanne embellished with a remarkably precious artwork crafted by Laurentine Perilhou. This exclusive unveiling pushed the boundaries of what luxury means in today’s context while showcasing Martell’s commitment to craftsmanship and opulence. As one of the oldest cognac houses in existence, Maison Martell has cultivated a legacy spanning over three centuries. At the helm of this storied brand’s future is cellar master Christophe Valtaud, a man whose passion for cognac is matched only by his commitment to preserving its rich heritage.
Together with the global launch of Les Fûts Uniques de Martell, an unprecedented private cask program, Valtaud invited discerning connoisseurs to embark on a one-of-a-kind journey that blended tradition and future. At the Martell Cellar Experience held at 1-Arden, guests had the rare opportunity to draw their own cognac samples from three meticulously curated casks aged 27, 30, and 32 years. “The Les Fûts Uniques de Martell collection allows consumers to connect with the origins of cognac,” explained Valtaud.
Don't miss: Les Fûts Uniques de Martell is the world’s first cognac cask programme ever launched
Above An exclusive Royal Salute dinner curated by chef Ivan Brehm of one-Michelin-starred Nouri restaurant, which took place in the old chapel at Chijmes this past September
Above The exclusive dinner was attended by Royal Salute master blender Sandy Hyslop, who took guests on a whisky pairing session
An exclusive Royal Salute dinner curated by chef Ivan Brehm of one-Michelin-starred Nouri restaurant, which took place in the old chapel at Chijmes this past September
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Experiential Dinners
When it came to Royal Salute and its 238-year legacy as the oldest working distillery in the Highlands of Scotland, only the stature of the stunning Chijmes chapel was befitting to host the members for an exclusive dinner in September. Transforming into an enchanting dining hall, dressed with fresh florals and ceiling projections to set the stage, the ethereal space was where guests savoured a lavish six-course menu, tailored by award-winning chef Ivan Brehm of one-Michelin-starred restaurant Nouri. Brehm, who is renowned for his self-developed “Crossroads Thinking” culinary philosophy, weaved in narratives of the interconnectedness of human culture, where each intricate dish was paired in tandem with Royal Salute whiskies.
The Royal Salute experience wasn’t complete without the presence of Sandy Hyslop, master blender at Royal Salute, who regaled attendees with tales—including the nosing of over 1,500 whisky samples each week—from his 40 years in whisky-making while autographing bottles. First created as a gift for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her Coronation in 1953, Royal Salute perpetuates this legacy by marking the start of a new era of contemporary monarchy with a precious limited-edition expression. Punctuating the evening with a hint of royal pageantry, the trumpets accompanied with grand organs playing the familiar notes of God save the King heralding the arrival of a true highlight of the evening—the arrival of The Coronation of King Charles III Edition, a whisky of the highest ceremonial honour, followed by a secretive yet-to-be-released whisky tasted for the first time outside the distillery in Scotland.
Read more: Sandy Hyslop on Creating the Royal Salute’s Most Exclusive Whisky Yet
Above Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard gives members access to Les Fûts Uniques de Martell, the world’s first cognac cask programme
Above Martell’s cellar master Christophe Valtaud
Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard gives members access to Les Fûts Uniques de Martell, the world’s first cognac cask programme
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Exclusive Access
In the world of luxury, personalisation reigns supreme as consumers crave more than what goes into each glass; they seek fulfilling experiences. Besides the festivities during the F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2024, another shining example of such bespoke experiences curated by Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard is the highly immersive buyer’s experience of Les Fûts Uniques de Martell, where clients get to select their preferred cask and bottle specifics in private sessions that can be arranged with the Martell Maison.
“Historically, cognac was sold in casks,” recalled Valtaud. “But that all stopped at the end of the 19th century as counterfeiting was rife. Now, we want to bring that experience back.” Each cask in this exclusive program offers a unique taste profile—think single vineyard in wine speak—that is irreplicable and irreplaceable. Members who invest in this experience will be whisked away to a three-day fête between Paris and Cognac in France. This will culminate in a hyper-personalised culinary affair where Valtaud will work closely with Alexandre Mazzia, the chef-owner of three-Michelin-starred AM par Alexandre Mazzia in Marseille, to create bespoke dinners that pair perfectly with the chosen cognac. “Imagine dining (chef’s table format) in the enchanting setting of the Château de Chanteloup—once the home of the Martell family—while tasting your selected cask straight from the barrel,” he mused.
Above Le Cercle extends invitations based on personal affinity
Above Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque at the F1 viewing party held at Mandarin Oriental Singapore
Le Cercle extends invitations based on personal affinity
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The essence of Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard is more than just a club but a rare invitation into the world of luxury. In this exclusive society, every gathering is an opportunity to forge connections and celebrate life’s finest moments over something extraordinary.
To express interest in joining Le Cercle by Pernod Ricard to access rare, unique and collectable spirits, share your contact details at le-cercle.sg/tatler and a private client manager will be in touch.
Credits
Images: Pernod Ricard
