The House of Rémy Martin has unveiled an exceptional collaboration with internationally renowned contemporary artist Anish Kapoor: a limited-edition Rémy Martin XO decanter and an exclusive artwork. The decanter and artwork represent a unique visionary and sensorial exploration of colour, form and space, reflecting Kapoor’s signature style in response to the essence of Rémy Martin XO. This collaboration celebrates the shared pursuit of excellence, embodying Rémy Martin’s rich heritage and Kapoor’s groundbreaking artistic vision.
A long-lasting connection with the House of Rémy Martin
The proposition of an artistic collaboration around the Rémy Martin XO decanter immediately struck a personal chord with Anish Kapoor. “There was a sense from the beginning of this project with Rémy Martin that it refers to my history. My father used to drink it when I was a boy in India, and I carried that with me,” he says. A legacy that echoes with the House of Rémy Martin, born more than 300 years ago and whose savoir-faire and heritage has also been passed down from one generation to the next.
“Rémy Martin XO perfectly embodies the heritage and savoir-faire of the Maison. It is the ultimate expression of our terroir, offering an exceptionally smooth, full-bodied blend of eaux-de-vie from Grande and Petite Champagne that gradually releases a wealth of harmonious aromas. Its opulent radiance paired with the timeless design of its magnificent decanter has inspired Anish Kapoor whose creation now becomes a part of our brand’s enduring legacy.” Jean-Philippe Hecquet, CEO of the House of Rémy Martin.
A limited edition decanter mirroring infinite possibilities
Kapoor has reimagined the iconic Rémy Martin XO decanter as a minimalist curve with a concave centre in glowing amber tones. He revisited the original glass mold to form a smooth front surface that fuses with the classic scooped design on the back to amplify its luminous effect, enhance its solar shape and reflect infinite possibilities: “I was working with the designers to make the decanter, relating to this liquid and how it functions, this liquid which I originally knew through my father and have picked up from my past over the years, so it’s become present and real. I toyed with it and decided on a much simpler design.”
“It’s the nature of the relationship between Rémy Martin and Anish Kapoor that makes this collaboration truly exceptional, between two visionaries on a constant quest for excellence. We feel privileged that the artist chose to work on this project because of a personal connection, a memory that shaped his idea of excellence. It radiates the energy of Rémy Martin XO, capturing reflections from the past and promises of new futures, unlocking a sensory space between place and time, art and savoir faire.” Amaury Vinclet, Rémy Martin Executive Director.
An Exclusive Artpiece Inspired by all the shades of Rémy Martin XO
Anish Kapoor has created an artwork for the House of Rémy Martin that sits within his recent body of painted mirror works. The concave surface of the vast mirror immerses viewers in its dense yet ethereal tones inspired by all the shades of Rémy Martin XO eaux-de-vie – hundreds of hues, ranging from pale gold to dark amber, carefully blended, then patiently aged in French oak casks, browned by time in the darkness of our cellars: “I began to think about a work that would sit alongside the Rémy Martin bottle. It has this radiant presence, it shows through. The colour is the most direct way of getting into it. I wanted to translate these reflections.” As you move around the work, the colours change, endless rays of reflections come to light: “I had to search for this color,” explains the artist, “because it’s a liquid and as the light changes, it changes – and the concave mirror captures its reflective qualities.” With this sculpture, Anish Kapoor has created a physical presence to the opulence of Rémy Martin XO, a celebration of its flamboyant aromas, a symbol of the solar radiance of the XO decanter and an invitation to contemplate different realities.
Rémy Martin XO, the tasting notes
Rémy Martin XO is the icon of the House, an exceptionally opulent blend of hundreds of eaux-de-vie sourced in the two most central crus of the Cognac region: Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne. A perfect balance of fruit and spice that gives way to an outstanding sensory experience.
Eyes: Fiery mahogany with opal tones.
Nose: Exceptionally smooth with powerful yet understated aromas. An explosion of fruity notes including plums and dried figs, candied orange and passion fruit, a hint of honey and floral tones like jasmine that delight the olfactory senses.
Taste: An astonishing generosity of flavours, from fresh passion fruit enhanced by deeper notes of ripe autumn fruits (mature fig and candied orange) to spicy notes with a hint of nutmeg and freshly ground hazelnuts. The aromas of XO unfurl gradually throughout the tasting, finishing with gourmet notes of roasted cocoa beans, honey and gingerbread.
Body: Smooth, full-bodied and long lasting.
Savour its full-bodied intensity neat, on-ice or in a tasting experience that mirrors all the sensations evoked by Anish Kapoor.
For more information, please visit RemyMartin.com.