This experience also afforded us the chance to catch up with Remy Martin Ambassador Mini Kunene for a quick interview. Here’s how it all unfolded. 

Please tell us, who is Minenhle and what is your affiliation with Remy Martin?

Minenhle Kunene is the Senior Brand Ambassador for Remy Martin SA but I currently look after Kwa-Zulu Natal, Freesate and Gauteng,

How did you start in the cognac business? What was your motivation, your background?

I merged into this career from the event organizing background, I ran a company alongside my Aunt where we specialized in social and corporate events.

Let me jump right in and ask you this. I am your average beer drinking South African male. What is it about Cognac that makes it so wonderful, and people enjoy drinking this fine spirit?

Think of it as traveling, yes you are born in South Africa but what stops you from discovering other countries? It doesn’t necessary mean neglect your beer but open up to other explorations as well. 

There’s the unwritten rule that cognac has to be enjoyed straight, and only straight. Is that true? Is it ever acceptable to use a cognac in a cocktail? 

I would say false, the cognac spirit is very versatile. Some people would prefer it traditionally served neat but the spirit can be enjoyed in many forms. In a traditional cocktail such as sidecar or simply with a mixture of Ginger ale on ice.

So how does one tell that the cognac you’re enjoying is good. Colour? Glass? Legs?

Colour and Aroma are best way to identify what best accommodates an individual’s palate and appreciation. However more so greatly the better way is looking at the category be it VS, VSOP or XO this will give you the ageing of the variant as well as the possible complexity of the spirit.

What’s the best way to appreciate a fully aged cognac?

I always say that you need to try it neat firstly and from there you can give it direction whether to add ice, water or even a mixer of your choice.

The 4×4 off-road experience collaboration was quite a thrill. Is this a strategic move for the brand, where you pair experiences such as these as brand awareness exercises? Will we see more of these?

It definitely is and the idea is to find different platforms that we introduce our cognacs to our consumers by linking it to their interest and passions.

Lastly, one life. Live them, what does it mean to you?

It honestly means that you are not defined by what you are but all of that you are. Why be one thing when you can be many. You only have one life so live them (all the different passions and talents you individually embody) 

But as all things that gain mass-market acceptance, more blends come out the woodwork. From Hennessy to Remy Martin, cognac’s are being made with more complexity and more zing than their big cousins. Whisky. 

Here’s one I came across recently at its local launch, and that I’ve taken a particular liking to. Based in the capital of it all, Cognac  which lies in the southwest of France; Martell Cognac’s Caractere offering is the latest cognac brand on the proverbial block, founded by Jean Martell in 715 after recognizing his passion for the blended art and sharing it with the world to experience.

“We decided to finally introduce the brand to cognac loving SA,” says Sumaiyah Connolly, Martell Cognac’s Brand Ambassador, “as we saw a huge opportunity. Cognac is the drink of the moment and we see ourselves – we see Martell rather – as leading the revolution in South Africa.”

While Martell Cognac’s striking bottle design is said to be based on the company’s founder, Jean Martell. We vouch, it is strikingly bold and somewhat keen. Keen in such a way that it tempts you to touch and feel it before cracking it open. Is ‘cracking it open’ still a relevant term? Connolly considers Martell to be an urban brand. It is in Africa’s cities where the pulse of the continent is determined by its consumers. Its sophisticated, and all of its offerings cater for the consumers individual taste. 

Suitably, this is a pulsating cognac. As young as it is, it is much stronger to the palate, it comes with a distinctive kick to the nose but its all soon forgotten thanks to its sweetly builds. The blend comes alive with floury dark pepper sharpness, hints of vanilla and raisins (could be prunes), rounded off with floral and tropical fruit notes. Everything seems well rounded. The Caractere is the first of three planned products to be released, and the least fairly priced (cheap is not the word I’m looking for)  at +/- R350. The Caractere pours a pale yellow,golden hue with a distinctive light brown colour.

With great body and great balance, Martell’s Caractere is not skollie-ish at all; rather it is refined, accessible, session-able and versatile. So versatile that a non-cognac drinking friend called it “so good in a cocktail”, which was about as good a complement as he could think of. But even for more heavy-footed drinkers, Martell has something to give in the cognac market that is quickly growing up.

You can pick a bottle of Martell Caractere from  R349 at all major liquor outlets. If that’s an insult to your spending habits, check out their other blends here. 

Located on the ground floor of the Sandton Eye (below the Radisson Blu hotel) in the upmarket suburb of Sandton in Johannesburg, 1715 by Martell Cognac is a concept bar/lounge where guests can indulge in life’s true pleasures – fine cuisine, world-class entertainment and of course the exquisite Martell Cognac.

A uniquely designed, wood and copper bar is a centre piece in 1715’s lounge. Glass tubing filled with golden liquid, running from ceiling to floor, creating the illusion of flowing cognac, serves as the backdrop of the bar. This is the perfect spot for guests to indulge in a range of Martell Cognac expressions that include Caractère, Noblige, Cordon Bleu, and Martell XO.

Nothing sets the tone for a good night out like great entertainment. Guests of 1715 by Martell Cognac can look forward to ‘entertainment with a twist’. Old world meets new – jazz artists in collaboration with urban house legends such as Euphonik and Glen Lewis create cool beats that set the mood for the ultimate cognac experience at 1715.

This weekend’s line-up include Eastern-Cape born Culoe De Song and duo Infinite boys on Friday, 30 October while Infinite Boys and Sbu continue the take-over on Saturday, 31 October. Entry to the tasting bar is R100, while cuisine can be ordered.  Touted as the place to be for the Johannesburg jet set, the pop up bar will run until 21 November 2015.