Grand Marnier was created in 1880 by Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle, building on the fruit liqueur tradition begun by Jean-Baptiste Lapostolle in 1827. It represents a marriage of French Cognac (made primarily from Ugni Blanc grapes, distilled in copper pot stills, and aged in oak) with the essence of bitter oranges from the Caribbean ‒ Citrus Bigaradia. Its signature bottle, wax seal, red ribbon (“Cordon Rouge”) and elegant shape have endured since the early days.
Production & Craftsmanship
- The Cognac used comes from several Cognac crus (Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Borderies, Fins Bois, Bons Bois).
- The bitter orange peels are harvested while still green, then sun-dried, macerated, and distilled to capture a rich, aromatic orange essence.
- After blending, the spirit is aged in fine French oak casks, allowing the Cognac and bitter orange to mature together and harmonise.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Bright bitter orange, candied zest, hints of vanilla and oak, some toffee and subtle floral notes.
- Palate: Full-bodied citrus upfront, sweet orange balanced by Cognac warmth, vanilla and hazelnut, some floral undertones.
- Finish: Long and smooth; lingering notes of orange peel, light oak, possibly toffee or caramel, with warming heat typical of a 40% ABV spirit.
Accolades & Recognition
- Grand Marnier’s Cordon Rouge won a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2001.
- It has also been granted high ratings by critics, including 4-Star recommendations from F. Paul Pacult’s Kindred Spirits in Spirit Journal Guide.
- More recent top-tier and “Exceptional Range” releases (such as Quintessence) have attracted praise for rare Cognacs, complexity, and outstanding depth.
Versatility & Serving Suggestions
- Neat: As a digestif in a snifter, slightly warmed to release orange aromatics.
- Cocktails: Works beautifully in classics like the Sidecar, Margarita, Cosmopolitan, or as a substitute for triple sec or Curaçao.
- Cuisine: Used in dessert recipes—crêpes Suzette, soufflés, sauces, or flambés—and as a flavouring in pastry, creams, or chocolate.
Little-Known Facts
- A bottle of Grand Marnier was reportedly found among the artifacts recovered from the 1912 Titanic wreckage.
- The recipe has remained essentially unchanged for over a century, including the iconic bottle design with wax seal and ribbon.
- Since 2016, the brand is owned by the Campari Group although production, cellars and tradition remain in France.
Why Choose Grand Marnier 1 Ltr from Oaks & Corks
When you buy Grand Marnier 1 Litre from Oaks & Corks, you receive an authentic French cognac-orange liqueur in its flagship 1 L size, delivered in Nairobi 24/7 and in under 30 minutes.
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