Courvoisier, the Cognac of French legend Napoleon, is on a national and then worldwide tour that started in Downtown Los Angeles. Hosted at the prestigious Palm Restaurant and featuring Brand Ambassador Pierre Szersnovicz and Napoleon curator MaryAnna Murphy.
Courvoisier hosted the event, with Ana Jovancicevi of Handcrafted PR handling the situation, in a posh private room. A refreshing Cognac-based cocktail was served along with delicious appetizers. The Palm’s wine sommelier Peter Meemalayath wandered the crowd offering expert beverage advice.
A Taste with a Past
In 1800, Emmanuel Courvoisier was in business in Paris as a wine and spirit merchant, specializing in cognac. Within a decade, Napoleon visited the warehouse in the wine and spirit quarter, Bercy. He was impressed with the quality and soon the Courvoisier cognac was supplied at Napoleon’s court. By 1869, Courvoisier was named “Purveyor by special appointment to the Court of Napoleon III”, and the rest, as they say, is history.
More than a Drink
Cognac is more than just a pour, though it is a very tasty pour to say the least. But for Courvoisier cognac, it takes five major steps.
First, much like wine, it’s derived from grapes. Winegrowers harvest from vineyards. Following along with the wine-making process, the grapes are pressed, fermented, and distilled. Finally a master distiller takes place, preparing the contents. Then coopering and the longest stage – aging. And each ages quite a bit to give it that legendary Cognac taste.
Only Better with Age
VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) matures in six to ten years. Even stronger would be XO (Extra Old), which takes twenty to thirty-five years. And lastly, the masterful Initiale, which matures for over fifty years before treasuring the lucky taster’s palate.
Preparing for the Palate
Drink time. Let’s say you’re not a pro, but maybe you want to be. Or at least you want to look like it. 
First, you hold the glass in your palm. Gentle, delicate; this is no beer can. Then take a glance and hold a brief gaze on the beverage. You might describe it using words like “light amber”, “golden”, “mahogany”. Next comes the “bouquet”. Waff your nose just over the glass nuzzle. Enjoy the “oaky”, maybe “vanilla”, maybe “salmon”, if you’re going top tier you may find “chocolate”, “honey” or “cinnamon” aromas in there.
Lastly and probably most importantly, take your sip. Indulge. It was worth the wait. I promise. It will overwhelm you. Its body will take over your mouth. Your nostrils and eyes will react. Your body will suddenly warm up. Just one sip is like a warm towel wrapped around you, a sudden fireplace.
The after-taste is some people’s favorite. The tingle on your tongue. Catching your breath afterwards. You pause. Momentarily recuperate, then eye the cozy concoction with an eagerness. You want more, and who can blame you? It’s no wonder Napoleon fell in love with the beverage. He offered it to friends, family and colleagues. While you may not agree with all of his decisions, we can all concur on the merits of his bevy of choice.
Try to visit the exhibit. Napoleon’s pieces are fascinating. Hand-etched silverware, a personal journal, documents, a bust of his likeness. Allow curator MaryAnna Murphy to share his history and correlation to each item.
Near you Means Lucky You
I’ve had enough fun. Now it’s your turn. Enjoy Courvoisier’s delicious cognac cocktails at the following local venues:
Social Nightclub: 6525 Sunset Blvd Hollywood, CA
Ritual Supper and Nightclub: 1748 N Cahuenga Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028
Mr. Chow Restaurant: 344 Camden Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90210
The Palm Restaurant: 1100 S. Flower Street Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Palm Restaurant West Hollywood 9001 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood 90069
The Standard Hotel: 8300 Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069
Boulevard3 Nightclub: 6523 Sunset Blvd Hollywood, CA 90028
The Belmont Cafe and Lounge: 747 N. La Cienega West Hollywood, CA 90069
