We begin a series of interviews with couples in high society on how they see their legacy in 100 years

In the world of cognac, Louis XIII represents the pinnacle of excellence and luxury, a solid reputation built upon a family legacy that emphasises artistry and vision. Transcending time, each decanter of Louis XIII encapsulates the life achievement of generations of cellar masters. Their meticulous selection of eau de vie is a patrimony to their successors, who will continue to use these nectars to blend Louis XIII for the next century.

For Singaporean couple Kenneth Tan and Shenise Wong, appreciating each bottle of Louis XIII cognac is a unique experience, but it is especially poignant when it comes to the house’s recent super-limited Louis XIII Black Pearl AHD. The bottle symbolises the couple’s principles of building a family, of passing on their own traditions and life lessons to their next generation.

The eau de vie is passed on from generation to generation, cellar master to the next cellar master—every bottle of cognac is a legacy in itself.

- Kenneth Tan -

MEET KENNETH TAN 

As market head of Malaysia and Singapore at a bank handling wealth management, Kenneth works with ultra-high net worth individuals on building their financial legacies, how to pass on their wealth from generation to generation.

Kenneth notes, “It’s a very similar concept in terms of making cognac. In a bottle of Louis XIII, there could be the contributions of a succession of cellar masters. The eaux-de-vie is collected over decade and centuries and is passed on from generation to generation, cellar master to the next cellar master—every bottle of cognac is a legacy in itself.”

MEET SHENISE WONG

Taking care of their own legacy, Shenise, who was previously a money broker and ex-Miss Singapore Universe and Miss Singapore World, is currently homemaker to the couple’s three children and shares that they have already been grooming this next generation of the family to value integrity, artistry, and the finer things in life.

“For every one of our kids, we buy a barrel of wine for them; we will also be passing down some of our wine collection and of course Louis XIII, depending on which bottles we have left. We are exposing them to some of the finer things in life; they don’t need to drink these everyday, but at least they know how to appreciate the hard work and craftsmanship that go into making such artisanal products,” shares Shenise.

Tatler Asia

How did you start appreciating Louis XIII?
Kenneth Tan (KT) We’ve always enjoyed fine dining, and appreciating great food and wine really goes hand in hand. We used to drink Sauternes or sweet wines at the end of our dinners but then a friend introduced us to the world of cognac with Louis XIII. 

What is it about Louis XIII cognac that you two love?
Shenise Wong (SW)
We love how it is an unmistakable cognac, from its bouquet, its elegance and long finish, down to its unique heritage.

KT There is a lot of history and tradition that goes into how they make their cognac; one can really distinguish and enjoy the quality that Louis XIII presents. The artisanal craftsmanship is not only employed in the liquid gold that goes into the bottle but also the Baccarat crystal bottle itself.

Tatler Asia

Why do you think it is important to pass on the appreciation of Louis XIII to the next generation?
KT
While it is important to work hard in life, we also need to reward ourselves by enjoying art and craftsmanship, be it Louis XIII cognac or fine wines. Some people buy such fine wines and spirits as investments, hoping that the prices appreciate, but for us it is about being able to ascertain and enjoy the high quality of these produce. For example, the Louis XIII Black Pearl AHD, is a particularly special bottle as the cognac comes from just one unique cask from the Hériard Dubreuil family’s private cellars; it is limited and rare, hence begets a deeper appreciation.

What is the most important life or business advice you would like to pass on to the next generation?
KT
The more successful you are, the more humble you have to be, the simpler you should be.

SW Live life with integrity.

Tatler Asia
Belongs to the series of Jacques Goguet black and white photographies took in the 1970s. This one has been taken between 1971 and 1974 in Andre renaud'desk and belongs to a series of 5 pictures.André Hériard Dubreuil (1917-2009), son-in-law of André Renaud, enters the House Rémy Martin in 1942. He becomes a vice-president in 1950 before being named a managing director in 1965. He stays in the head of the House until his pension in 1982.Jacques Goguet is a photographer installed in Cognac. He worked a
Above André Hériard Dubreuil (1917-2009), son-in-law of André Renaud, enters the House Rémy Martin in 1942. He becomes a vice-president in 1950 before being named a managing director in 1965. He stays in the head of the House until his pension in 1982. Jacques Goguet is a photographer installed in Cognac. He worked a lot for the House Rémy Martin in the 1950s.

 


Honouring a legacy

The second release under the Black Pearl series, Louis XIII Black Pearl AHD is a tribute to former chairman of Rémy Martin André Hériard Dubreuil, who was born 100 years ago.

Louis XIII is the fruit of a family legacy dreamed up by André Renaud, Chairman of Rémy Martin from 1924 to 1965. His son-in-law and successor, André Hériard Dubreuil (pictured below) launched a visionary partnership with winegrowers, today known as the Alliance Fine Champagne, to guarantee the highest quality of grapes for the house.


We speak to four other pairs of society couples and find out about their appreciation for Louis XIII Cognac.

Anthony Yong and Siow Yin Yin | Jeffrey and Emily Piak | Elaine Lim-Chan and Chan Kok Weng | Doreen and Elbert Pattijn

Credits

Producer  

Daphne Chen-Cordeiro

Photography  

Gan

Styling  

Joey Tan

Hair  

Karol Soh using L'Oréal

Make-Up  

Jyue Huey /The Make Up Room using M.A.C

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