LOUIS XIII Rare Cask 42.1: A $5K Pour of Cognac Rarity Arrives in Miami, New York, and Los Angeles

Source: LOUIS XIII Cognac

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

There are luxury spirits, and then there is Rare Cask 42.1—a singular expression of craftsmanship, time, and terroir that has captivated connoisseurs and collectors around the globe. Now, for the first time, this elusive iteration from the storied house of LOUIS XIII is being offered in a by-the-glass tasting experience at select high-profile venues across the U.S., including Faena Miami, Baccarat Hotel New York, and Hotel Bel-Air Los Angeles.

This rare opportunity comes with a rare price tag: approximately $5,000 for a 1-ounce pour. For those who understand that exceptional things often come in small pours, the experience offers more than access—it delivers reverence in liquid form.

Crafted from the most precious eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from Grande Champagne—the premier cru of the Cognac region—LOUIS XIII Rare Cask 42.1 was born of nature’s unpredictability and brought to life through the meticulous intuition of Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau. This third edition of the Rare Cask series was discovered in a single tierçon (a traditional French oak cask), possessing an aromatic profile unlike any other. Bottled at an uncharacteristic 42.1% ABV, the result is a cognac that defies expectations while remaining true to its origin: a story of time, terroir, and tradition.

Previously available only to those willing to invest in a $53,000 black Baccarat decanter—complete with gold and rhodium detailing and presented as part of a ceremonial ritual set—Rare Cask 42.1 now opens its gates ever so slightly. The tasting ritual is an intimate invitation into the artistry that defines LOUIS XIII: each sip is the culmination of decades of aging in century-old Limousin oak and generations of savoir-faire passed down from one Cellar Master to the next.

For luxury travelers, the experience transcends the glass. Each pour is offered exclusively in a curated environment that complements the grandeur of the spirit itself. Current tasting locations include:

• Faena Miami, where beachside opulence meets theatrical design
  

• Baccarat Hotel New York, a jewel of refinement in the heart of Midtown
  

• Hotel Bel-Air Los Angeles, an enclave of quiet glamour tucked into the hills
  

• Novikov Beverly Hills, known for its international clientele and modern luxury
  

• Delilah at Wynn Las Vegas, a setting built for indulgence and celebration

At each destination, the pour is not simply served—it is presented with reverence, often accompanied by a dedicated ritual to match the rarity of what’s inside the glass.

LOUIS XIII has long stood as a benchmark for ultra-premium spirits. The house’s commitment to provenance, patience, and precision has made its classic decanter an icon in the world of fine cognac. But with Rare Cask 42.1, the brand elevates its ethos to an even higher plane—reminding us that true luxury is not about excess, but about rarity, restraint, and excellence without compromise.

As Loiseau himself noted in previous reflections on the Rare Cask series, discovery is never guaranteed. The emergence of 42.1 was not planned; it was sensed, uncovered in a single cask with qualities that defied replication. That spontaneity, paired with centuries-old technique, is what makes this pour worth its price.