I don't recall the first time I had ever tasted Grand Marnier, but I do know that it is my favorite drink to enjoy in a snifter.

The Bottle

It comes in a distinctive squat looking bottle with a neck equal to the base in height. The brown coloured bottle has a look of a wax seal on the front of the bottle with the name of the gentleman who brought this fine liquor to fruit. (pun intended) The names Marnier-Lapostolle is imprinted in the seal. It was this man who in 1880 blended the tastes of fine cognac with the taste of orange. I read in the manufacturers web site that oranges were a "rare and exotic" fruit at the time.

The seal holds the bottles red ribbon that also makes a wrap around the bottle's neck. It all makes for a fine looking container that anyone would be proud to display.

A Bit of History, Ingredients and Method

After Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle made the special blend liqueur he then named it Grand Marnier selling it as the top shelf liquor it would one day be known as. He went to the owner of the Ritz hotels and also the Prince of Whales, who would one day be king, for their support of the product. With top names like this honoring the spirit it became an instant hit and has continued, with good reason, ever since. France exports more Grand Marnier than any other French made liqueurs.

It is a special orange that is mixed with fine cognac. They come from the Caribbean and they are known as "bitter oranges" that have a special appeal, no a special peel that holds its perfume type aroma when dried. These peels are put through a separation and distillation process that brings the strong and distinct aroma that Grand Marnier is noted for.

After it is blended with the cognac it is placed in huge oak barrels for over half a year to finalize its process and make it a fine liqueur...and it is!

The front label is simple in colour with a sepia tint back-ground and fine print. It looks classy.

The back of the label has these words.

GRAND MARNIER is made with Cognac and the essence of wild tropical oranges. Its subtle and distinctive taste can be enjoyed neat, or on ice, and can enhance the flavour of cocktails such as the Margarita or Cosmopolitan.

The Taste and How I Enjoy It

I am not trained in detecting nor can I appreciate some of the very subtle notes that a connoisseur of spirits may discern but, like with art, I know what I like.

I happen to like sweet drinks. Nothing as sickening sweet as Apricot brandy but I do like a sweet taste. I order a(very) Sweet Rob Roy, one of my drinks of choice. Anisette and Sambuca are favorites of mine also. Grand Marnier is sweet too, but also has a kick.

My finest way of enjoying this product is in a snifter. I enjoy slowly sipping this liqueur and smelling its special aroma. It also has a pleasing amber colour to look at and hold up to the light. The bottle does however note that caramel colour added.

When I first open the bottle I immediately receive the aroma of the oranges. It's a wonderful start to the enjoyment of this fine product.

The first sip brings the mouth alive from the alcohol and then the orange flavor kicks in. It holds a sweetness and also provides a slight spice that then gets very smooth on the tongue. After a couple of sips you can feel the body warm up after all this is an 80 proof product. It is a sensational drink. The after-taste stays on in a very pleasant manner and I find a need to try some more soon after. At times I like to break it down by having it with a little bit of crushed ice. It is very good this way too.

My wife and I enjoy Margaritas in the summer. A side car of Grand Marnier goes absolutely perfectly with the drink. My wife pours it in while I just sip it along with the Margarita. My wife has also had her Cosmopolitans made with Grand Marnier.

Final Thoughts

Though we have Margaritas and Cosmos with Grand Marnier, It's still best neat. It's prohibitive price also dictates that having it in mixed drinks is only for high rollers. Ha, Am I really a high roller. NOT. But I do love my Grand Marnier, the finest of all spirits and I'll have it any which way I can.


Cointreau Liqueur

Grey Goose Orange L' Vodka Excellent!!

Jose Cuervo Gold










Recommended: Yes