Camus unleashes ocean-aged Sous Les Mers Cognac
Family-owned Camus Cognac has partnered with Sotheby’s Hong Kong to unveil one of only five Sous Les Mers collector’s pieces.
The new rare expression marks the second chapter in Camus’ Voyages Extraordinaires collection, inspired by the novels of Jules Verne.
Camus Sous Les Mers draws inspiration from the French writer’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.
Described as ‘a sensory and narrative odyssey’, the concept for the release was imagined by Cyril Camus, designed by Isabelle Collignon, and the Cognac was created by cellar master Julie Landreau.
The Cognac blends century-old Borderies eaux-de-vie from Camus’ private reserves with a 1972 Grande Champagne expression and four Île de Ré Cognacs aged 12-17 years.
Housed in a 35-litre cask, the blend was submerged in the Atlantic Ocean, matured over several months while subjected to tides, pressure, darkness and the changing seasons.
Encased in a metal cradle on the ocean floor, the Cognac was constantly in motion and absorbing mineral-rich, saline, and iodine notes that cannot be achieved on land, the brand said. Like Captain Nemo’s deep-sea experiments, Landreau employed a physicochemical approach that included low oxygen levels, temperature variations, and perpetual movement.
Cyril, the fifth generation of the Camus family, said: “Sous Les Mers is more than a Cognac – it’s a voyage. By plunging it into the ocean, we invited nature to leave its fingerprint on the spirit.
“What emerged is not just aromatic complexity, but a story of transformation, of surrendering to the unknown and emerging stronger, more vibrant, and completely unique.”
Crystal beast from the deep
The number one decanter is guarded by a crystal and bronze octopus brought to life by French crystal maker Maison Daum and Les Ateliers Camus.
The decanter features a golden corded neck, which is said to evoke Verne’s marine fantasy, complete with engravings from both houses.
The Extraordinary Voyage Collection unfolds in three chapters. The first chapter, L’Île Cognac, debuted in London, paying tribute to Phileas Fogg’s departure point in Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days.
The second chapter, Sous Les Mers, has surfaced in Hong Kong, where it is on display at Sotheby’s Landmark Chater from 5-26 June 2025.
Camus Sous Les Mers is available exclusively from Sotheby’s, retailing for HK$1,870,240 (US$238,300) until the end of August.
Last month, The Cognac house partnered with London retailer Fortnum & Mason to offer three distinctive expressions in single serves.
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