A drink with… Baptiste Loiseau, Rémy Martin

This year, Rémy Martin celebrates 300 years of Cognac, while its cellar master, Baptiste Loiseau, marks a decade in his role. He tells us about creating the anniversary expression and some of his career high notes.

How did you select the eaux-de-vie for the 300th Anniversary Coupe? Were you looking for something specific?

During the creation phase, I let myself be guided above all by my emotions, my instinct and my memories; I have no preconceived ideas or precise objectives other than to respect and honour the style of the Maison. It’s a powerful moment of introspection.

Three hundred years of history demands a great deal of humility. Aware of this unique and historic moment, I have drawn some of our most harmonious eaux de vie from the barrels housing our Grande Champagne treasures.

The result reflects the qualities of the Maison Rémy Martin: elegant and expressive; surprisingly fresh and persistent. It’s a great responsibility but, above all, an immense privilege, to pay homage to what my predecessors bequeathed me and to participate in this unchanging process of Réserve Perpétuelle. This is a special creative process where each cellar master sets aside part of the eaux-de-vie from their Anniversary Coupe for the next generation.

What else are you working on at the moment?

To the next 300 years! That’s one of the hallmarks of the cellar master’s job – taking the long view and being a visionary. There are many projects for the decades to come and, with my team, I’m enthusiastic about building the House of Rémy Martin of tomorrow – which has not finished making a name for itself.

You joined Rémy Martin in 2007 – what was it like working under Pierrette Trichet? Did you find it challenging to follow in her footsteps?

This spring marks my 10th anniversary as cellar master of the House of Rémy Martin. It’s also a wonderful coincidence, as the house is celebrating its 300th anniversary. For the past 10 years, it’s really been a privilege to be the cellar master of such a prestigious house.

And, of course, it is such a legacy that was created by Pierrette Trichet, who I learned under for seven years before I took on the position. She gave me a clearer vision of the ageing process and the confidence to take on the role. But I do now bring my own touch, while respecting the style of the house.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Cognac?

I have always had a love of the earth and nature, as well as a passion for Cognac – as I was born in Charente. I grew up in a small town near Cognac, surrounded by vineyards and
winegrowers.

I also have immense respect for the House of Rémy Martin, its tradition, the very high quality of its eaux-de-vie and the relationships it maintains with its winegrower partners. Behind each eaux-de-vie is a producer, and therefore a person.

How do you balance preserving the legacy of Rémy Martin while also innovating?

It’s a challenge, but I would say that the 300th Anniversary Coupe is the best example. It’s a very limited edition release, symbolising 300 years of production at the House and our vision for the next 300 years. It’s a tribute to the previous generations of cellar masters and a legacy for the next – thanks to the Réserve Perpétuelle.

The 300th Anniversary Coupe was influenced by Pierrette Trichet, because part of the blend comes from the Coupe she created for the 290th Anniversary. I have respected the style of previous Coupes and will influence the next. The expression pays tribute to the past while projecting us into the future. It celebrates our heritage, passed on from one generation to the next, and heralds our Cognacs to come. It is a living memory in liquid form.

This exclusive limited-edition and exceptional blend is also presented in a flacon inspired by the 250th Anniversary Coupe created in 1974, with a contemporary twist.

What has been your proudest achievement or most memorable experience at Rémy Martin?

In 10 years, I could say many – but if I had to pick just one I would say the 300th Anniversary Coupe. It is a one-off expression of the exceptional terroir of Grande Champagne; it truly represents the style of the House and will be never reproduced again. Finding my own interpretation for this 300th Anniversary Coupe, while paying tribute to my predecessor, was a true honour for me.