The Louis XIII Fortress at the El Comodo in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s reputation for its shopping is world famous. From Sham Shui PO, to Causeway Bay to the area know as Central. In the Central district is where you can find luxurious and opulent goods. If you find your way to the very top of the Euro Trade Center on Des Voeux road, you can find Asia’s first Louis XIII Fortress located in the El Comodo Bar. El Comodo was granted exclusive status as an ambassador to the world’s most coveted and premium cognacs and Whiskeys.
Started in 2016 with the opening of the first boutique in Beijing, at SKP, LOUIS XIII recently opened a second and a third boutique at the legendary Harrods in London, UK and SKP in Xi’an China.
There are Louis XIII Fortress locations across the globe, including a couple of noteworthy ones in Fairmount locations in Canada. Notably at the Fairmount Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, and the Fairmount Pacific Rim in Vancouver, Canada. There is also one at the Tattu Restaurant & Bar Hardman Square in Manchester, UK.
On the Official Louis XIII website, it speaks of their Bespoke service: “The LOUIS XIII boutiques offer not only LOUIS XIII but a series of services and experiences that greatly enrich the LOUIS XIII offer, such as personalized delivery, customization, tasting experiences, as well as special edition decanters.”
ABOUT LOUIS XIII Remy Martin Cognac
The Louis XIII name has become synonymous with exclusivity, prestigious and the bon vivant lifestyle. It is after all, a cognac that encompasses very old cognacs. The Remy Martin produced cognac is so rare that some of the actual people that produce some of the spirit, never actually get to taste it. This article is focused more on the new Louis XIII Fortress in Hong Kong, and so we invite to learn more about this highly coveted cognac on the official Louis XIII website.
The Louis XIII Fortress in Hong Kong
The latest Louis XIII Fortress in Hong Kong is part of the Pacific Cigar Company emporium. Pacific Cigar Company is lead by Norweigan CEO Dag Holmboe and is the exclusive distributor of Habanos cigars in Asia. The company is also the co-owner of the prized La Casa Del Habano franchises, boosting many locations across Asia. Norio Hattori-Paris, the regional marketing director for Pacific Cigar Company took some time off his busy schedule to tell us about the Fortress. Here are excerpts of the conversation.
Steve Chioda: Tell us more about the concept of Louis XIII Fortress. Are there more world wide and how does the Hong Kong location differ from anywhere else.
Norio Hattori-Paris: There are currently less than one hundred fortresses around the world. El Comodo is the first fortress in Hong Kong. Louis XIII Cognac has a very long and strong history in Hong Kong and we are honored to have been granted the ambassadorship.
Steve Chioda: Louis XIII is an example of the pinnacle of cognacs. What other cognacs are offered? Are other libations available to guests?
Norio Hattori-Paris: Additional to the Louis XIII cognac, we also offer spirits from the Remy Martin portfolio, as well as other specialized spirits such as single malts.
Steve Chioda: What sets your establishment apart from any other? What kind of services are offered to clients? Any specialized services for the true cognac connoisseur?
Norio Hattori-Paris: The Louis XIII Fortress offers a unique concept we like to call “The Wall”. Our customers’ crystal Baccarat and/or St. Louis Decanters and glasses are kept safe in private lockers. 18 lockers add to the atmosphere of the Fortress. The service of the Louis XIII Cognac is also unique as we follow the Louis XIII protocol; using a pipette and dedicated glasses. Louis XIII is a total experience, allowing you to submerge yourself into centuries old craftsmanship and tradition.
Steve Chioda: Cigars and cognac go hand in hand. What cigar surprises do you have for the client who would want to pair a cigar with their drink? The Hong Kong cigar community is known for having one of the largest aged cigar collection. Anything notable standouts that you’re particularly proud of?
Norio Hattori-Paris: Our cigar lounge next to the El Comodo offers the best Cuban cigar collection available. As you said, the Hong Kong Cigar community is one of the largest cigar collecting communities in the world. And it’s especially true with aged cigars. As such, we’re proud to offer vintage cigars (aged 5-10 years) as well as the “sought after” regional editions for Asia-Pacific.
Steve Chioda: What kind of experience would you like a client to walk away with?
Norio Hattori-Paris: We’re aiming to share the experience of Louis XIII Cognac. The traditions, the history and the future of the brand in our Fortress at El Comodo. Customers are not only coming to enjoy what is by far, the best Cognac in the world, but also to become custodians of a legacy. I mention the future of the Cognac brand as we aim to introduce it to the younger generations as well. After all, isn’t Louis XIII Cognac’s motto, “Think 100 years ahead?”
Nice article . Another place to visit on my to do list.
thank you Sandro!