Monica Tindall
Hosted in one of KL’s newest hotels, Sofitel Damansara, Rémy Cointreau launched its official partnership with Malaysia at the end of last month. Described by Rémy Cointreau Senior Vice President Asia, David Ennes, as having been in a courtship for a number of years, the official launch marked the marriage between the French brand and its Malaysian market, and as such, a commitment to a long-term relationship. Stylish and contemporary, yet rooted in the French tradition of excellence, one brand mirrors the other.
Rémy Cointreau Malaysia Launch
Held in Sofitel Damansara’s ballroom, guests mingled pre-event with a number of cocktails from the group. A fresh crisp Gin and Tonic on a base of The Botanist took my fancy, and hubby congratulated himself on his choice of a Cognac cocktail finished with a fresh twist of orange peel.
The Setting at Sofitel Damansara
Appetites whet, the spirited crowd were ushered into the ballroom where clothed tables were adorned with candles, fresh floral arrangements, miniature bottles of Cognac, and a gift set of four delicious macarons. The handcrafted sweets were so tempting that many didn’t make it home as proposed. Smooth and crisp on the outside, yet soft and lush with infusions of the brand’s spirits within, I’d like to have the patissier’s number on speed-dial. Bittersweet milk and dark chocolate ganache paired with the single malt Scotch whisky, Bruichladdich Classic Laddie. White chocolate combined with Cointreau-infused chocolate ganache, and Mount Gay Black Barrel rum made its mark on a rich dark chocolate ganache. Lastly, and perhaps the most scrumptious of them all, white chocolate ganache got the royal treatment with fine champagne cognac, Rémy Martin VSOP.
The People
House of Rémy Martin cellar master, Baptiste Loiseau, and Rémy Cointreau Senior Vice President Asia, David Ennes, educated guests throughout the evening with the highlight being the drawing of Rémy Martin XO from a giant oak cask for privileged tasting. The Rémy Cointreau Malaysia portfolio includes signature spirits such as LOUIS XIII, Rémy Martin XO, CLUB and VSOP, as well as a collection of other leading labels for example, Bruichladdich, The Botanist and Mount Gay.
The Dinner
The evening proceeded with a three-course dinner prepared by the talented chefs from Sofitel Damansara accompanied by Rémy Martin beverages. Rémy Martin VSOP, smooth and fruity in the mouth, opened appetites in time to appreciate the first course of delicate smoked salmon tartare. Pan seared duck breast followed as the main and played a fine friend to slightly more intense Rémy Martin CLUB. And lastly, if I hadn’t been so enthusiastic with the macaron gift box earlier in the evening, I could have possibly devoured the entire 64% Noir Forest Slice in a single enormous bite. The rich, dense dessert coupled the juicy plum and candied orange flavours of the Rémy Martin XO mate adeptly solidifying the marriage and the end of the evening’s celebrations.
