Louis XIII de Rémy Martin Cognac – 1980s 70cl

The Louis XIII de Rémy Martin Cognac from the 1980s (70cl bottle) is a highly collectible and luxurious expression of one of the world’s most prestigious spirits. Here’s what you need to know about this iconic Cognac from that era:

1. Overview of Louis XIII Cognac

• House: Rémy Martin (founded 1724, Cognac, France).

• Blend: A masterpiece of 1,200 eaux-de-vie from Grande Champagne, aged between 40–100 years in tierçon (old oak) barrels.

• Tasting Profile:

  • Aroma: Dried roses, honey, plum, oak, leather, and rancio.

  • Palate: Layers of dried fruit, figs, walnuts, spices, and a long, velvety finish.

• Bottle: Handcrafted Baccarat crystal decanter, inspired by a 16th-century flask found on a battlefield.

2. The 1980s Louis XIII (70cl) – Key Details

• Alcohol Strength: Typically 40% ABV (standard for Louis XIII).

• Packaging:

  • 1980s bottles had a red wax seal (later changed to clear in the 1990s).

  • Labeling: Older versions may say “De Rémy Martin” (later simplified to “Rémy Martin”).

  • Box: Original packaging was a wooden lacquered case (blue or black).

• Market Rarity:

  • 1980s Louis XIII is discontinued and sought after by collectors.

  • The blend itself evolves, so older bottles have a slightly different profile than modern releases.

3. Collectibility & Valuation (1980s 70cl)

• Current Market Price:

  • Unopened, with original box & papers: $3,500–$6,000+ (depending on condition).

  • Opened/without box: $1,500–$3,000 (still valuable for connoisseurs).

• Why It’s Valuable:

  • Historical significance (pre-1990s wax seal, older blending style).

  • Baccarat decanter alone is worth $500–$1,000.

  • Investment potential—Louis XIII appreciates over time.

4. How to Authenticate a 1980s Bottle

• Check the Wax Seal:

  • Red wax = Pre-1990s.

  • Clear wax = 1990s onwards.

• Label Variations:

  • Older labels have “De Rémy Martin” (French style).

  • Newer labels drop the “De” (simplified branding).

• Bottle Code: Some 1980s bottles have embossed numbers on the base.

5. Should You Drink or Collect?

• Drinking: If opened, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience—best enjoyed neat in a tulip glass.

• Collecting: If sealed, it’s a blue-chip luxury asset—prices rise steadily at auctions.

6. Where to Sell or Appraise

• Auction Houses: Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Whisky Auctioneer.

• Luxury Spirits Retailers: The Whisky Exchange, Rare Whisky 101.