The Spirit of Cognac: Rémy Martin: 300 Years of Savoir Faire, written by Thomas Laurenceau, was recently released in November 2023 as a celebration of Rémy Martin’s tercentenary with history, stories, archival documents, and photographs surrounding the brand. I will also be sharing a recipe for the Fleurissimo cocktail following the review.
Disclaimer and Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book from Flammarion in exchange for my honest review. All comments and opinions are my own. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Consume alcoholic beverages at your own risk and liability. This recipe is intended only for those over the age of 21 (in the United States). Please drink responsibly.
Thomas Laurenceau
Thomas Laurenceau is a writer, journalist, and a specialist on the world of Cognac.
Harry Gruyaert is a Belgian photographer and member of the Magnum Photos agency.
The Spirit of Cognac
The Spirit of Cognac begins with Rémy Martin’s childhood in Rouillac in southwestern France’s wine-growing region of Charente and leads to when he first started selling Cognac under his name in 1724.
The chapters are then divided based on time period: 1724-1924, 1925-1965, 1965-1991, and Since 1991.
I knew absolutely nothing about Cognac before receiving this book, so it was incredible fascinating and I absolutely loved the attention to detail.
In addition to all the stories, there are notes scattered across the pages describing even the soil structure of the Charente region, the development of cognac, and notable equipment. You will also learn about the background management of the company from bottle design to advertising.
To pair with all this history, the book is filled with previously unpublished archival documents along with newly commissioned images by Magnum photographer Harry Gruyaert.
Fleurissimo
The Spirit of Cognac includes an insert, The Fine Art of Cognac Tasting, with text by Mathilde Fenestraz and illustrations by Julia Perrin.
This insert has a small collection of legendary, signature, and inspired cocktail recipes with a guide on how to build them. There is also a food pairing guide with menus and tasting notes.
I thought the Fleurissimo would be perfect for the upcoming New Year. It pairs the Rémy Martin VSOP with Crème de Violette, a sugar cube, and Champagne to create “a fruity, sparkling cocktail with a touch of acidity.”
The Fleurissimo was created by Agostino Perrone, director of mixology at the Connaught Hotel in London, as a tribute to Grace Kelly.
This cocktail comes together with the build method, so gently combine the Rémy Martin VSOP, Crème de Violette, and sugar cube in a Nick and Nora Glass before topping with Champagne and serving immediately.
More Cocktails
I also made the Sidecar and XO Old Fashioned.
The Sidecar is my personal favorite. Rémy Martin 1738, Cointreau, and lemon juice are shaken, then served in a martini glass. A premium version of this cocktail was first served at the Ritz in Paris in 1923.
The XO Old Fashioned was Chad’s favorite. It highlights the Rémy Martin XO along with a brown sugar cube and Angostura bitters. I particularly enjoyed the description on how to enjoy this cocktail. They state, “for dessert, enjoy with a fruit tart, or sitting in front of a fireplace with a cat curled up on your lap.”
The Spirit of Cognac is a great pick for those interested in Rémy Martin and Cognac.
The book pairs three hundred years of historical photos and memories with a behind the scenes look at the company, best ways to enjoy the Cognac, and how to use it as a base to build signature cocktails.
Fleurissimo Cocktail Recipe
Excerpt from The Spirit of Cognac
Fleurissimo Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5 cl (1/2 ounce, 1 tablespoon) Rémy Martin VSOP
- 0.5 cl (1 teaspoon) Crème de violette
- 1 sugar cube
- Champagne for topping
Instructions
- Gently stir together the Rémy Martin VSOP, Crème de violette, and sugar cube in a Nick & Nora glass.
- Top with champagne.
- Serve immediately.
Lauren
My husband is a cognac drinker and always looking for new ways to enjoy it. I like champagne so we need to give this cocktail a try.
MacKenzie
This is fantastic. I cannot wait to make it. The flavors are perfect and I know my friends and family will love it.