Grand Marnier is an orange-flavoured cognac liqueur created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. The Grand Marnier line includes a range of liqueurs, most of which can be consumed “neat” as a cordial or a digestif, and can be used in mixed drinks and desserts.

Quintessence

The quintessence of something is its perfect, ideal example; the pure and concentrated essence of a substance, its most perfect embodiment. This is exactly what master blender Patrick Raguenaud had in mind when he selected the finest 25-to-100-year-old Cognacs from the Grand Marnier Paradise (a special cellar where all the extra-old cognacs are stored) to create the Grand Marnier Quintessence. More than 20 different Cognacs are included in the final product.

Tasting at the

Regency Bar & Lounge

Recently the team from Select Brands along with Grand Marnier’s Global Ambassador, Serge Sevaux, took an intimate group of enthusiasts through a tasting of this very rare liqueur.

On the nose the Quintessence had a really lovely soft orange note with more than a hint of almond. The taste really surprised me — very elegant, smooth and harmonious is what popped to my mind on the first sip, and it only got better. The essence of orange is much more integrated and subtler than others in the Grand Marnier line, even when compared to Cuvée du Cent Cinquantenaire — which itself is excellent. The finish of the Quintessence is remarkably long and it goes on and on and on as the flavours develop in the mouth!

Extremely limited

Only 2,000 bottles of the Grand Marnier Quintessence will ever be made, with 1,000 bottles allotted to the USA, where it is listed in retail for US$799.00 per bottle, if you can get it. The Regency Bar & Lounge will be the only place in Jamaica that will serve this rare delicacy. We hear whispers that it might be offered at J$6,500.00 per glass! Most agree that the experience of the Quintessence is worth it.

See highlights of our tasting.

Christopher Reckord — Businessman, Entrepreneur & Wine Enthusiast.

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