Review: Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis-Alexandre
Grand Marnier’s latest expression launched quietly earlier this year. Cuvée Louis-Alexandre is an ode to the creator of Grand Marnier liqueur, Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle, “whose audacious and grand idea to blend a fine cognac with a rare, bitter orange liqueur disrupted the status quo more than a century ago.” This newest expression blends VSOP Cognac with aromatic bitter oranges. (Standard Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge does not specify the age of the brandies in its blend, making this a slightly upscale version.)
And here’s surprise #1: Despite the use of older Cognac in this liqueur, Cuvee Louis-Alexandre immediately presents itself with a much stronger orange character than standard Grand Marnier. The nose is bold with mandarin orange notes, with secondary notes of cola and cinnamon underneath. The palate is spicy and nicely sweetened with tangerine and more mandarin notes, with Cognac-driven vanilla, cola, and some chocolate underneath. The finish continues the theme: lingering orange above all else, with some baking spice underneath.
While Louis-Alexandre is a bit of a departure for Grand Marnier, it is nonetheless quite a pleasure, provided you’re looking for a significant orange component. Sip straight, or use it in lieu of triple sec to elevate your cocktail.
80 proof.
A- / $65 / grand-marnier.com
Grand Marnier Cuvee Louis-Alexandre
$65
I suspect 2019 was a relaunch by Campari. Something called Difford’s Guide claims it was launched in 2000. I’ve certainly been buying it in Europe for at least 10 years.
Thanks for review of Titanium, don’t think we’ll bother trying it.
I used to drink “Hennessy, Grand Marnier Courvoisier, VSOP Cognanc from 19987 until 2022. I found Gran Cuvee “Louis Alexander in 2022 & I won’t drink, sip or taste anything else now. So smooth with no after taste or anything. It’s just good, but to some expensive “Top Shelf Liquor”. 1.75 ML. of the original Brown Jug/Bottle cost $75.76 & the Blue Label G.M. Louis Alexander 750ml. cost $75.76. So HALF of the amount for the same price….. #SoGood………