Louis XIII Cognac unveils a masterful new limited edition in its Black Pearl collection
By Michelle Johnson | 11 September 2026 | Food & Drink
The Black Pearl: A Tribute to the Birthplace of Louis XIII is a “moving sensory experience”
Sampling a celebratory French menu at Marylebone’s sensational Orrery by Pierre Minotti, Tempus is among a small group of journalists gathered to experience a first taste of the new, highly-limited-edition spirit by trailblazing Louis XIII Cognac. The Black Pearl: Tribute to the Birthplace of Louis XIII is inspired by the cognac maison’s historic Le Grollet cellar, limited to just 398 decanters worldwide – and comes with its own bespoke fridge.
Cellar master Baptiste Loiseau created the rare eau-de-vie from a selection of prized liquids from Louis XIII’s historic collection of demijohns. This was then infused in a single tierçon from the cellar. Each exquisite bottling is housed in a reimagined Louis XIII decanter and presented in its own cooling cellar to ensure it is perfectly temperature controlled at 13˚C – the natural temperature of the cellar itself. 
“The idea is to replicate a sensation and tasting that can only take place in this specific cellar,” he said at the launch.
“Each tasting in Le Grollet is a deeply moving sensory experience,” says Baptiste Loiseau, Louis XIII cellar master. “Its aromatic palette is beautifully elevated by the cellar’s atmosphere, its ethereal humidity, cool temperature and enveloping half-light in winter. It reveals hidden facets of Louis XIII, unveiling a richer, more profound essence, akin to uncovering ancient treasures.” 
At first sip, the cool liquid offers notes of honey, earthy wood and patchouli – a sensation that slowly lighten as it reaches ambient room temperature. As the cognac warms, deeper facets of warm spices, nutmeg and chocolate notes appear on the nose and palate, allowing drinkers to experience the full spectrum of the liquid’s complexity in a single glass.
Decanters of the indulgent edition has already been snapped up by fine dining establishments including The Dorchester London, The St Regis, Grantley Hall, and A Wong restaurant, while the remaining allocation is available exclusively at the brand’s boutique in Harrods, priced at £21,000 per bottle.
