You’ve probably seen the bottles. They sit behind the reinforced glass at high-end liquor stores or glow under the spotlight in a rapper’s music video. Most people look at the name and immediately think of the famous Louis XIII. But there’s a massive amount of confusion when it comes to Louis XV cognac.
Is it a real thing? Yes. Is it what you think it is? Probably not.
Honestly, the world of French brandy is thick with royal titles and Roman numerals. It's enough to make your head spin before you even pull the cork. If you’re searching for Louis XV, you’re usually looking for one of two very specific things: a bottle from the house of Prince Hubert de Polignac, or you’re thinking of the "Accord Royal" from Rémy Martin.
Let’s get the record straight.
The King Who Saved the Vines
In 1731, France was in a bit of a panic. The government actually banned the planting of new vineyards because they were worried about a food shortage. Basically, they thought people were growing too many grapes for booze and not enough grain for bread.
Enter King Louis XV.
In 1738, he personally stepped in. He was so impressed with the cognac being made by a guy named Rémy Martin that he issued a "Royal Accord." This was essentially a golden ticket. It gave Rémy Martin the exclusive right to plant new vines despite the national ban.
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Without that specific decree from Louis XV, the house of Rémy Martin might have just been a footnote in history. Instead, it became a titan. This is why you see the Louis XV cognac connection so heavily marketed today. When you buy a bottle of Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, you aren't just buying a VSOP-level spirit; you’re buying a liquid tribute to that 1738 decree.
Prince Hubert de Polignac’s Louis XV
While Rémy Martin celebrates the date, the house of Prince Hubert de Polignac actually put the King’s name on the front of the bottle.
This is a different beast entirely.
The Polignac Louis XV is often a "Hors d’Age" or an "Extra" grade cognac. If you find one, you'll notice the decanter is usually more ornate—think crystal, gold accents, and a price tag that makes your mortgage look reasonable. Unlike the 1738, which is a "Fine Champagne" (a blend of Grande and Petite Champagne grapes), the Polignac version often leans heavily on the prestigious Grande Champagne terroir.
It’s bold. It’s spicy. It tastes like someone melted down a leather library chair and mixed it with dried plums and cinnamon.
Why People Get It Mixed Up With Louis XIII
Let’s address the elephant in the room.
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The most famous "Louis" in the spirits world is Louis XIII by Rémy Martin. It costs thousands of dollars. It takes 100 years to make. Because of that, many casual drinkers assume there’s a natural "progression"—that Louis XV must be the next step up or a slightly cheaper alternative.
That’s not how it works.
Louis XIII was named as a tribute to the King who first recognized cognac as its own category. Louis XV is celebrated because of the 1738 vineyard expansion. They are two completely different products with different flavor profiles.
- Louis XIII: Floral, light, ethereal, and costs as much as a used car.
- 1738 (Louis XV Tribute): Oaky, buttery, toasted, and actually affordable for a Saturday night.
The Tasting Reality: What Does It Actually Taste Like?
If you’re shell out for a Louis XV cognac (specifically the Polignac or the high-end Rémy 1738), don’t expect a burning sensation. That’s for cheap rail brandy.
A proper Louis XV-themed cognac is all about the "Rancio." This is a term connoisseurs use to describe that weirdly delicious earthy, mushroomy, nutty flavor that only happens after decades in a barrel.
You’ll get notes of:
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- Toasted Toffee: Not the candy bar kind, but the deep, burnt sugar smell.
- Dried Fig: That concentrated, jammy fruitiness.
- Cigar Box: A dry, cedar-like woodiness that lingers on the back of your throat.
- Jasmine: A surprising floral lift that keeps the heavy wood from feeling too "muddy."
It’s a slow-sipping experience. You don’t shoot this. You don’t mix it with Coke (please, for the love of all things holy, don't do that). You pour it into a tulip glass, let it sit for ten minutes to breathe, and then realize why people spend so much money on fermented grape juice.
Buying Guide: How to Find the Real Deal
If you are looking to add this to your collection, you need to be specific with your liquor store clerk.
- For the History Buff: Ask for Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal. It’s widely available, usually around $60–$100, and gives you that direct link to the King’s decree.
- For the Collector: Look for the Prince Hubert de Polignac Louis XV Heritage. This is much harder to find and will likely require an auction site or a specialist importer.
- Check the Label: Make sure it says "Grande Champagne" or "Fine Champagne." If it doesn't mention the region, it’s likely a lower-tier blend.
The Bottom Line on Louis XV
The story of Louis XV cognac is really a story about survival. If the King hadn't been a fan of the "eaux-de-vie" coming out of Cognac in the 1730s, the entire region might have been paved over for wheat fields.
Whether you’re drinking the accessible 1738 or hunting down a rare Polignac decanter, you’re participating in a 300-year-old thank-you note to a monarch who liked his brandy.
Your Next Steps
Ready to actually taste the history? Start by picking up a bottle of the 1738 Accord Royal. It’s the most "honest" entry point into the Louis XV legacy without needing a bank loan. Pay attention to the "creamy" mouthfeel—that’s the signature of the toasted casks they use. If you’re already a fan, your next move is to track down a "Hors d’Age" from a smaller producer like Polignac or Frapin to see how the flavors evolve when you add another twenty years of wood aging into the mix.