🥃 Grand Marnier Cuvée Louis-Alexandre

Grand Marnier Cuvée Louis-Alexandre is an orange liqueur line on cognac, named after Louis-Alexandre, who liked to add a little more cognac to his Grand Marnier. According to the producer, it is a liqueur on VSOP cognac that matures in Tronçais oak casks. Difford's Guide gives its strength as 40% ABV.

Production. The producer dates the start of the line to 1977, while Difford's Guide puts the launch in 2000, so the sources differ. According to Difford's Guide, the cognac spirits here are older than in Cordon Rouge: usually 12 to 15 years, from five of the best growing areas of Cognac. The sugar content is 200 g/l, slightly less than in Cordon Rouge. The producer describes an amber colour with copper tones, and a taste of candied orange peel, citrus, pine and Earl Grey tea, with a very long finish.

Why it matters to you. This line sits between Cordon Rouge and Cuvée du Centenaire in terms of cognac age. The producer recommends it neat or in the classic Sazerac and Sidecar cocktails. Its strength is no higher than Cordon Rouge, so older cognac does not make the drink weaker or safer. The WHO reminds us that no level of alcohol consumption is safe.