In the realm of spirits, few can claim a legacy that spans three centuries. Yet, Rémy Martin has done just that. To discover the extent of what three hundred years means to a brand, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Florian Hériard Dubreuil, an ambassador, in every sense of the term, and family member of the storied cognac house. We talked about the tricentenary celebration, his experience working in the family business and what it all means for the future of the house of Rémy Martin.
See also: Savouring tradition, embracing the future: Rémy Martin’s 300-Year legacy
Reflecting on heritage: A conversation with Florian Heriard Dubreuil
My introduction to Florian is warm and spirited, much like the cognac his family has been crafting for generations. He speaks with energy and excitement about the rich history of Rémy Martin and a palpable excitement for what’s to come. “300 years—it’s more than a lifetime; it’s nine generations,” Florian says. A family business passed down through lineage, Florian goes on to tell me about his 19-year-old nephew who has already taken a keen interest in the family business. “The nine generations evolve with the business… and we are already aiming at the future.”
Crafting the future from the reservoirs of the past
Rémy Martin is not just celebrating their past but also forging ahead with innovation and sustainability. The release of the 300th Anniversary Coupe is a testament to their commitment to “dream forward,” as they put it. Crafted by Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau from the Rémy Martin “Réserve Perpétuelle,” this limited edition is a blend of eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, known for its exquisite aging potential. Baptiste Loiseau has intricately woven past and present to create this unique offering.
With a mere 6,724 individually numbered bottles worldwide and fewer than 60 available in Canada, the 300th Anniversary Coupe is more than a collector’s item; it’s a legacy in liquid form. Florian describes the Coupe as a collector’s dream, a harmonious blend of history and modernity that promises to be a jewel in the crown of any connoisseur.
Rémy Martin: A quest for excellence
When I ask about the impression Rémy Martin wishes to leave on those who savour their cognac, Florian’s response is immediate and impassioned. “We want to be recognized as making the best cognac possible… it’s about quality, in the end. Someone who orders Rémy is ordering a quality spirit.”
Renovating foundations, the historical house reopens…
Looking to the future, Rémy Martin’s dedication to their craft remains focused. As Florian notes, the historical headquarters’ renovation is nearing completion, a project that every generation has contributed to over the past century.
The birthday tour & the art of mixology
The celebration of Rémy Martin’s 300-year journey isn’t just about sipping cognac; it’s about experience. Mixology, an integral part of Rémy Martin’s culture, will shine during the Rémy Martin Bartender Talent Academy competition, where bartenders worldwide will showcase their prowess, blending 300 years of cocktail culture with innovation.
A family’s vision, nine generations deep
The family legacy continues to shine through after being passed down through generations and has remained steadfast in their focus and determination. Florian’s conversation is a vivid tapestry of past, present, and future. He speaks of the adjustments that ensure Rémy Martin remains at the top of its game. The meticulous cultivation of new grape varieties and adaptations in their vineyard management are testament to their forward-thinking ethos.
Dreaming forward: An ode to the next 300 years
As Florian and I conclude our interview, it’s clear that the celebration of Rémy Martin’s 300 years is more than a milestone; it’s a gateway to the future. As he remarked, “We dream that we have 300 years coming that are as successful if not higher and that’s what we dream”. He adds, “this quest for excellence, it’s not gonna stop we’re definitely gonna continue as thrive in that direction hoping to reach New Heights”.