Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6

A decanter of the highly coveted Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6 will make its Texas debut at Spec’s flagship Superstore in Houston Sept. 18. Escorted in luxury by a Rolls Royce Ghost, the $22,000 bottle of cognac will be ensconced in its own specially-designed case as it awaits a lucky buyer.

The discovery of one unique barrel among the hundreds of century-old tierçons that will become Louis XIII is simply a miracle that cannot be explained. It is only the second distinctive barrel to be discovered in the cognac’s nearly 140-year history–reflecting the unpredictable nature and contributions of four generations of gifted cellar masters.

The Rare Cask 42,6, named after its 42.6 percent alcohol by volume, is one of only 738 decanters produced. The blend offers an exquisite taste profile featuring an incredible richness and aromatic intensity. Discovered in the fall, it appropriately features autumnal notes of plum and dates, mingling with flavors of gingerbread, prune stone and ginger, and punctuated by a final touch of tobacco leaf.

The iconic black crystal decanter for the collection was created by famed crystal house Baccarat. A team of more than 20 master craftsmen completed more than 50 steps in creating a single decanter, all of which must be carried out while maintaining the opaque crystal at a constant temperature.