One of the most expensive and rare cognacs in the world, retailing at $20,000 a bottle, was officially launched at Raffles House, Fort Canning last night by the chairman of Rémy Martin, Dominique Hériard Dubreuil.

Joining her were about 20 high net worth individuals and other invited guests who had the privilege of savouring the exceptional cognac at dinner.

Cellar master Pierrette Trichet identified the cask in Rémy Martin’s cellar in 2004.

It had a surprising touch of extra strength, up from 40 to 43.8 degrees (alcohol strength) and a richness and intensity that she had never before encountered.

She added that its unique qualities are produced by forces of nature that she cannot fully explain. It cannot be predicted or replicated by human intervention.

The content of this special cask will fill 786 opaque black decanters appropriately named Louis XIII Rare Cask.

Pre-orders open today on a first-come-first-served basis, and personal delivery of the bottles starts from January 2010.

This article was first published in The Business Times.