Cognac, music and robots — what do these three things have in common? In what seems like an unlikely symbiotic relationship, these elements have come together to create the ultimate in perfection, the LOUIS XIII cognac “One Note Prelude”.
In 1874, the first edition of LOUIS XIII was created with the aim of being the best, most luxurious cognac on the market — each decanter a life achievement of generations of cellar masters. Blended from up to 1,200 most precious eaux de vie sourced from Grande Champagne, LOUIS VIII features exceptional aromas eliciting myrrh, honey, dried roses, plum, honeysuckle, cigar box, leather, figs and passion fruit — bottled in the now legendary mouth-blown glass decanters.
The perfect cognac needs the perfect glass, and the perfect glass makes the perfect “clink”, and —believe it or not — to make that perfect “clink” you need robots… This is what “One Note Prelude” is all about.
EXCLUSIVE | The LOUIS XIII cognac “One Note Prelude” toasts perfection with a song
A pioneering project from LOUIS XIII brings together a renowned jazz composer and advanced robotics to bottle the perfect sound as tribute to the celebratory toast — and future
Image: LOUIS XIII
Cognac, music and robots — what do these three things have in common? In what seems like an unlikely symbiotic relationship, these elements have come together to create the ultimate in perfection, the LOUIS XIII cognac “One Note Prelude”.
In 1874, the first edition of LOUIS XIII was created with the aim of being the best, most luxurious cognac on the market — each decanter a life achievement of generations of cellar masters. Blended from up to 1,200 most precious eaux de vie sourced from Grande Champagne, LOUIS VIII features exceptional aromas eliciting myrrh, honey, dried roses, plum, honeysuckle, cigar box, leather, figs and passion fruit — bottled in the now legendary mouth-blown glass decanters.
The perfect cognac needs the perfect glass, and the perfect glass makes the perfect “clink”, and —believe it or not — to make that perfect “clink” you need robots… This is what “One Note Prelude” is all about.
Image: LOUIS XIII
Image: LOUIS XIII
As LOUIS XIII explains: “When two LOUIS XIII cognac glasses are clinked together to make a toast, they produce a very specific sound — a clear, extended G-sharp.” Collaborating with renowned jazz composer and pianist, Yaron Herman, and advanced robotics (Arnaud Lapierre Design Studio), the task was to translate into sound the magic of this one, very important, note. After all, sound is part of the overall experience, explains Ludovic du Plessis, LOUIS XIII global executive director.
Herman elaborates and expands on the G-sharp note, revealing harmonious sounds and textures between the piano and the string quartet — all playing the same note, but at different octaves and contrasting rhythms. It is this melody, with all its complexities and dimensions, that offers a perfect parallel to the long‐lasting flavour of a single drop of LOUIS XIII cognac.
WATCH | The robotic arms perform the choreography to "One Note Prelude":
Robotic Arms Choreography
The chime of the glasses is created by the specially choreographed robotic arms bringing the two glasses together in time with the music. These robotic arms give precisely the right angle at the right speed to make the toast, producing the perfect G-sharp sound.
Always thinking ahead, LOUIS XIII “One Note Prelude” embraces the use of technology and innovation to serve as a tribute to the ritual of a celebratory toast, and the perfect spirit. We’ll certainly cheers to that!
• The unique robot arms will be displayed in the LOUIS XIII boutiques from April 2020. First appearing in Singapore, Beijing, and Xi’an, then will travel the world.
You might also like...
Cognac myths busted
Rémy Martin and the art of cigar pairing
Cognac’s big comeback