Grand Marnier - Cordon Rouge (GM)
Originally created by Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle in 1880, Grand Marnier is a blend of fine cognacs (from Cognac, France), distilled with tropical orange essence, and slow aged in French oak casks giving it its color (gold and amber tints). The nose is complex with orange and toffee. On the tongue, GM has bitter orange flavors are enhanced by the cognac with a hint of orange marmalade and hazelnut. The long finish pairs well with desserts such as citrus fruit crème brulee, caramel pastries and cheeses such as bleu (Roquefort).
Cuvee du Centenaire (GM 100)
Most people think this GM 100 is 100-years-old, but it was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the House of Grand Marnier in 1927. This rare medium amber, copper lined colored spirit is the perfect blend of essence of tropical oranges and rare French 25-year-old cognacs mainly from Petite and Grande Champagne (the two most prestigious production areas in the Cognac region). Its nose is full of candied orange scents with hints of spice and notes of dried fruit, gingerbread and nutmeg on the tongue. Macerated orange complete the long finish which pairs well with desserts such as moist chocolate cake, orange cake, or a plate of apricots and soft cheeses such as Camembert.
Cuvée du Cent Cinquantenaire (GM 150)
Again, most people think that GM 150 is 150-years-old, but it was launched by Jacques Marnier Lapostolle, the company's CEO, in 1977 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of this glorious beverage. This blend, presented in a hand painted decanter, was created for cognac enthusiasts being blended with 50-year-old Cognacs. It combines essence of orange with very old cognacs mainly from Grand Champagne, the most prestigious production area in the Cognac region. The color is reddish-gold with light amber on the rim. The nose has scents of aged cognac with background notes of cocoa, cinnamon and other spices and the flavor provides notes of coffee, honey, almonds and spices. GM 150 pairs well with hard cheeses such as aged Gouda and Parmigianino and rich desserts such as chocolate sponge cake and tiramisu.
The Flavors
When I was traveling through Europe (READ MY BOOK!), I came across several flavors of GM that were not available in the States at the time. They are very unique in style and taste.
Cordon Jaune (Cheap GM)
This bottle is very unique with its yellow ribbon. This spirit is only sold in some European countries and at some major international airports. Yellow Label Grand Marnier is generally regarded as being the lowest quality. It is made with neutral grain spirit rather than cognac. It is used for mixed drinks and cooking purposes, such as Crêpes Suzette.
Navan (Vanilla GM)
Navana, a small village on the north-eastern coast of Madagascar (one of the island's most renowned vanilla-producing regions), is the namesake for this spirit. Navan brings together natural vanilla from this region with fine French cognacs. I am not a fan, but one could try it straight up, on the rocks, or in delicious cocktails.
Cherry Marnier (Cherry GM)
Cherry Marnier, one of the first fruit liqueurs created at the family's original distillery near Versailles, is made exclusively from Morello cherries, a variety from Turkey known for its full flavor. The cherries are ground with their stones (seeds) to lend an aromatic richness and body before undergoing slow maceration and resting for one year in vats where the liqueur acquires its complexity and roundness. The color is deep red tinted with copper hues and a rich nose of cherry enhanced by notes of sweet almonds and spices. I tried this in the South of France (Monte Carlo), alongside the main marina at midnight as a night cap. It was definitely different.
When you have a chance, order a GM and think of me.
You are a Golden God, great blog.....and a great drink. mmmmmmmmmmmm, lets have a shot.
ReplyDelete-James Jackson