There are few artists as fitting as Anish Kapoor when it comes to collaborating with Rémy Martin and designing a new decanter for its XO Cognac Fine Champagne, with the first reason being how Kapoor’s sculptures mirror (pun not intended) the original decanters themselves. So this union of artist and brand seems like the only logical choice to begin with. 

Besides the similarities in aesthetic taste, Kapoor also shares another connection with the brand. “There was a sense from the beginning of this project with Rémy Martin that it refers to my history. My father used to drink it when I was a boy in India, and I carried that with me.” 

There are more layers to this limited edition XO than the eye can see, starting from the decanter itself. Kapoor, best known for his sculpture “Cloud Gate”, does not explore the objects themselves, but people’s relationship with them.  

It is such a subjective perspective that can differ from person to person, making it a complicated viewpoint on its own. He even subjected himself to the same lens — quite literally, as he photographed the decanter from every angle to study it — during his creative process.  

The result is a minimalist expression of the original glass mould, not unlike those of his signature concave mirrors. The front of the decanter is smooth, while the back retains its original scooped design. So if one were to look at it from the front, they will either see the visages of a sun, an eye, or even a portal to another world.  

When it comes to the tasting notes, the Rémy Martin XO consists of fruit and spice, especially at the start, on the nose. Plums, figs, passion fruit, candied orange, and honey belong here. On the tongue, the tastes of passion fruit and candied orange grow further, with hints of nutmeg and ground hazelnuts following soon after. 

It is a decadent experience that is as pleasing on the palate as it is on the eyes. Only 480 units of the limited edition Rémy Martin XO x Anish Kapoor will be available in Malaysia. 

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