Hey Bartender

IT USUALLY SITS quietly on the back shelves of the bars that stock it. The beautiful, yet mysterious multifaceted glass container has a regal elegance that is hard to ignore. Sadly, most of us don't really know much about it. So, today we'll discuss the cool bottle that contains Rémy Martin XO.

Rémy Martin XO is a Fine Champagne Cognac. This means that it is made from grapes selected from the two best growth areas of the Cognac region of France: the Grande Champagne and the Petite Champagne. Grapes from these areas are said to have the greatest aging potential and are therefore the most treasured. Fine Champagne Cognac is the only blend of two crus, specifically named growth places, protected by the Appellation d'Origine Controlee (AOC). This governing body officially recognizes the complementary qualities of Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne that create a unique cognac.

Rémy Martin XO is one of many Cognacs produced by Rémy Martin, a company founded in 1724. It is named after a French winemaker, Rémy Martin, although these days the company is known as Rémy Cointreau. What distinguishes Rémy Martin XO from their other fine Cognacs are the letters that follow the name on the label. These are official quality grades for cognac as set forth by the Bureau National Interprofessionel du Cognac (BNIC). The XO on the Rémy Martin bottle stands for Extra Old. In general, this means that the youngest cognac used to make what's in the bottle has been aged for a minimum of six years, but the average age is closer to twenty years. Rémy Martin XO exceeds these minimum and maximum requirements by blending cognacs that have been aged between 10 and 37 years in seasoned Limousin oak barrels. Rémy Martin XO also receives further aging after blending to allow the cognacs to fully integrate.

The finished product is shear elegance. The clear glass bottle reveals a fiery mahogany liquid that is visually appealing. However, the true pleasure is the supreme richness and the myriad of aromas that this beautiful elixir displays. The nose hints of jasmine, iris, plum, fig, candied orange, cinnamon, and hazelnut. The velvety, rich texture is abundantly dense, which makes it very mellow with a finish that pleasantly lingers.

Some of the most animated discussions that I've had with colleagues revolve around how Cognac should be consumed. As bartenders, we've seen it all and we're also supposed to know it all, but we're not supposed to judge those who are not as seasoned as we are when it comes to potent potables. With that in mind, there are rules for consuming Cognac that should be followed. First, a brandy snifter is the glass of choice. The unique shape allows the aroma of the cognac to be trapped inside the glass so that you can enjoy each sip. Second, Cognac should be enjoyed in small amounts, so do not fill the glass -- 20 - 25 milliliters are ideal. Third, smell the contents of the glass. Enjoy the aromas inside the glass. Fourth, give the contents of the glass a swirl and smell the contents again. This time you should be able to identify the fruity and floral components of the Cognac. Fifth, take a sip and repeat step five occasionally until it's time for a refill.

The reason for the animated conversations among peers has to do with the way people quite often prefer to drink Cognac. I've had people order it with coke, sprite, ginger-ale, and even cranberry juice. This defeats the whole purpose of drinking Cognac. The makers of Cognac spend years, if not decades, aging their distillates so that the fruit of their labor can display the extraordinary characteristics that only manifest themselves when the best of the very best ingredients are used. The superior Cognacs have so many subtle aromas and textures that cannot possibly be appreciated if mixed with soda or juice. I believe that people who add mixers to Cognac don't really like it, but want to appear to be hip, so they order it and then mask the taste in order to make it more palatable. Really good Cognac is expensive, so why not order something that you really like and save yourself some money as an added bonus. Of course, it is your money and you can spend it anyway you like, but it's kind of silly to order something that you don't like just to look cool when everyone around you is well aware of the fact that you're way out of your comfort zone. Cognac is an acquired taste that comes from experience and maturity. Neither of those qualities can be rushed or purchased.

So, there you have it, Rémy Martin XO -- uncorked. Cognac is more than just a liquid adult pleasure, it is an experience. It also has a deep history along with age old and well-practiced traditions. Rémy Martin XO is a fine example of this. If you enjoy Fine Champagne Cognac or are among those who are ready to take the next step, this may be what you're looking for. As always, whether enjoying Rémy Martin XO alone or with friends, please do so responsibly. Until next time...prosit!!!

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What's In That Cool Bottle: Rémy Martin XO

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