What is Navan?:
A liqueur with a Cognac base flavored with natural black vanilla from what is known as the Vanilla Coast in Madagascar. This premium spirit is produced by Grand Marnier and follows in the company's fine tradition of flavored Cognacs.
Louis-Alexandre, of the House of Grand Marnier, not only cultivated oranges in the 1800's for his well known orange liqueur, but also planted a rare vanilla orchid in his garden at St Jean Capferrat. Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle, his great-granddaughter and current President of Marnier-Lapostelle (North America), chose to use these vanilla orchids as inspiration to release Navan in 2004.
How is Navan made?:
The full recipe for Navan liqueur is a family secret which has been "guarded at the Grand Marnier distillery since 1827." So outside will never know exactly how the liqueur is produced but we do know that it begins with Madagascar vanilla beans. These coveted beans are macerated in a neutral spirit for around three weeks at which time the beans are married with the distillery's aged cognac. The process is similar to that of producing Grand Marnier.
Navan Facts:
- Navan is currently (2009) the only natural vanilla liqueur available in the U.S.
- Produced by the House of Grand Marnier, Marnier-Lapostolle Inc. New York, NY
- 40% alc/volume (80 proof)
- Released Fall of 2004
- Retails for around $39/750ml bottle
- Visit their website
