Style Observer (SO): Tell us a little about Thibaut Hontanx.

Thibaut Hontanx (TH): Thibaut is a master blender for Courvoisier. I’m a seventh generation master blender following the footsteps of all the master blenders before me. Otherwise, I’m just a Frenchman, living in Cognac, and doing the Cognac Gold Courvoisier.

SO: What was your journey to becoming a chief global blender like?

TH: My journey spans 25 years, beginning with a deep passion for the wine and spirits industry. I studied oenology to become a wine specialist, and then started working at a distillery in South Africa. Over 10 years, I worked on whisky and agave spirits. After that, I moved into producing cognac, rum, and tequila.

SO: Is this your first time in Jamaica?

TH: It’s actually my second time. I came two years ago to Montego Bay, but this is my first time in Kingston.

SO: How are you liking it in Kingston?

TH: I’m enjoying it a lot! I’ve really enjoyed discovering what’s happening here, meeting colleagues from J Wray Nephew, and having a wonderful visit to Appleton Estate with Joy Spence. I’ve also been experiencing the nightlife, which has been great. I attended Lost In Time, an excellent experience! I love reggae, and I love music, and so that was a treat.

SO: If you were to come back to Jamaica with your family/friends, where would you take them?

TH: I think the beach would be first. When you go to Ireland, and in winter, there’s really no time for the beach. But if I come back with my family or my wife, I think that’s what I would do first.

SO: Which Jamaican artiste is on your playlist?

TH: Always one, I think I will not be very surprising on this one. He’s the idol of all of us, Bob Marley.

SO: What’s your favourite song from Bob Marley?

TH: Three Little Birds.

SO: What are you drinking?

TH: Ginger Ale with Courvoisier VSOP and a splash of Angostura.

SO: What’s your personal philosophy?

TH: Don’t put yourself above it. Stay curious, and always remain humble.

SO: When you think about Courvoisier today, what feels different from five years ago or 10 years ago?

TH: I think what’s happening with Courvoisier is that the cognac industry is really in transition. Courvoisier itself is shifting from a more traditional style, which was typically associated with older consumers enjoying it as a digestive, to something more fun, passionate, and appealing to younger generations and women. There’s definitely a trend toward a more open, modern way of consuming cognac.

SO: If someone is new to the world of cognac and they’re a little bit intimidated, what would your advice be to them?

TH: Start with a traditional cocktail or a long drink. You begin there, and then you move on to something more complex, like neat, to really taste and test the spirit. So I’d say your journey starts with a long drink or cocktail first.

Ginger Ale with Courvoisier VSOP and a splash of Angostura 

Thibaut Hontanx, Courvoisier Master Blender, presents his portfolio. –

Courvoisier Master Blender Thibaut Hontanx savours his ginger ale with Courvoisier VSOP and Angostura.-

Bob Marley is a fixture on Thibaut Hontanx’s playlist, with Three Little Birds holding the top spot as his personal favourite.-

Touring the Appleton Estate with Master Blender Joy Spence stands out as a highlight of Thibaut Hontanx’s visit to Kingston.-

The Lost In Time Festival is another unforgettable highlight for Thibaut Hontanx during his stay in Kingston. Naphtali Junior