I recently picked up a bottle of remy martins 1738, and honestly, it reminded me why I enjoy a good glass of cognac after a long week. It's one of those bottles that looks incredibly fancy sitting on your bar cart, but it doesn't just rely on its looks—it actually delivers once you pour it into a glass.
I've tried a lot of different spirits over the years, from peaty whiskeys to overly botanical gins, but there's something about a well-aged cognac that hits differently. It's smooth, it's warm, and it feels a bit like a luxury without being completely out of reach for most people. If you're someone who usually sticks to the standard VSOP or isn't sure if the jump up in price is worth it, let's talk about what makes this specific bottle tick.
What is the story behind the bottle?
You've probably seen the full name on the label: Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal. I used to think the "1738" part was just a random number to make it sound old and prestigious, but there's actually a bit of history there. Back in 1738, King Louis XV of France was so impressed with the quality of Rémy Martin's cognacs that he granted them a special "Accord Royal," which basically meant they had his royal blessing to plant more vines.
Back then, that was a huge deal because there were strict laws about where you could grow grapes for cognac. So, this bottle is basically a tribute to that moment in time. It sits right between their VSOP and the high-end XO. It's technically a "Fine Champagne Cognac," which means the grapes come from the two best regions in Cognac: Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne.
What's cool about remy martins 1738 is that it's blended to feel a bit more traditional. It's not trying to be a modern, super-light spirit. It's got that deep, old-school soul that you expect from a house that's been around for centuries.
Cracking it open: The smell and the taste
The first thing you notice when you pour a glass of remy martins 1738 is the color. It's got this beautiful, deep amber glow that almost looks like liquid copper. If you swirl it around, you can see it's a bit thicker and more "oily" than a cheaper brandy, which is usually a sign that you're in for a lot of flavor.
The aroma
When you stick your nose in the glass, you aren't hit with that harsh rubbing-alcohol sting that some younger spirits have. Instead, it's really mellow. I get a lot of toasted oak right off the bat, followed by some sweet vanilla and maybe a bit of dried plum or apricot. It smells "warm," if that makes any sense. It reminds me of a bakery that's just finished making a batch of fruit tarts.
The flavor profile
The first sip is where things get interesting. It's incredibly creamy. That's the word that always comes to mind with this bottle. It coats your tongue in a way that feels velvety. You'll taste that oak again, but it's balanced out by some butterscotch and a little bit of chocolate.
There's also this subtle nuttiness—like toasted almonds—that lingers in the back of your throat. It has a bit of a "spice" to it, maybe a touch of cinnamon or ginger, but it's not spicy like a rye whiskey. It's more of a gentle warming sensation. The finish is long, meaning the taste stays with you for a while after you swallow, which is exactly what you want when you're sipping something slowly.
Why the "Accord Royal" process matters
One of the reasons remy martins 1738 tastes the way it does is because of how they treat the barrels. They use a process called "toasting." Instead of just charring the inside of the wood like they do with bourbon, they toast the oak more gently. This helps release those specific flavors like vanilla and brioche without making it taste like a campfire.
Because the eaux-de-vie (the distilled wine) spends so much time in these toasted barrels, it picks up a lot of character. It's a middle ground—it has the freshness of a younger cognac but the complexity of an older one. They really lean into the traditional methods here, and you can tell they aren't cutting corners.
Best ways to enjoy your pour
Now, I'm a firm believer that you should drink your spirits however you like them. If you want to mix it with soda, go for it. But with remy martins 1738, I think there are a few ways that really let the quality shine through.
Neat or with a drop of water
If you really want to taste the work that went into the blend, drink it neat. Use a tulip glass or a snifter if you have one, but a regular rocks glass works fine too. Just let it sit for a minute or two after pouring. Sometimes, adding literally two drops of room-temperature water can help "open" the aroma, making those fruity notes pop a bit more.
On a large rock
Some people say you shouldn't chill cognac, but I disagree. On a hot evening, a single large ice cube in a glass of remy martins 1738 is fantastic. As the ice melts slowly, the drink evolves. It becomes a bit more refreshing while still keeping that rich, buttery mouthfeel.
In a Sidecar
If you're into cocktails, this is arguably one of the best cognacs for a Sidecar. Because it has those deep, toasted notes, it stands up really well to the tartness of the lemon juice and the sweetness of the orange liqueur. A lot of VSOPs can get "lost" in a cocktail, but the remy martins 1738 stays front and center. It makes the drink feel much more sophisticated and "expensive" tasting.
Is it worth the price tag?
Let's be real for a second—cognac isn't exactly the cheapest hobby. When you're looking at the shelf, you'll see the VSOP, which is usually the "standard" bottle, and then you'll see the 1738, which typically costs about $15 to $20 more. Then you have the XO, which is often triple the price.
In my opinion, the remy martins 1738 is the "sweet spot" of the entire lineup. You're getting a significantly better experience than the standard VSOP. It's smoother, it's richer, and it feels much more like a premium product. But you're not spending $200+ on a bottle of XO that you might be too scared to actually drink.
It's a great "gift to yourself" bottle. It's also a perfect gift for someone else because the packaging looks great and the name carries weight. You don't have to be a cognac expert to appreciate that it's high-quality stuff.
Closing thoughts
At the end of the day, remy martins 1738 is just a really solid, dependable cognac. It's not trying to be something it's not. It doesn't have any weird gimmicks or strange infusions. It's just well-made, aged spirit that honors a long history of French craftsmanship.
Whether you're sitting by a fire in the winter or making a round of cocktails for friends on a Friday night, it's a bottle that won't let you down. It's smooth enough for the beginners but complex enough for the people who've been drinking brandy for decades. If you haven't tried it yet, I'd say it's definitely worth a spot on your shelf. Just make sure you take your time with it—this isn't the kind of drink you want to rush. Cheers!