Cyril Camus stands as a rare, distinguished figure in the world of luxury spirits, leading the house of Camus, which, despite being in fifth-generation hands, is one of the youngest and most innovative Cognac producers in the world. With a legacy that spans generations, Camus—both man and brand—embodies a unique blend of tradition and modernity, pushing the boundaries of what Cognac can represent in the luxury market.
We at Robb Report Hong Kong have had a lengthy relationship with Camus. After all, the brand has been featured in the annual Best of the Best edition often and is part of our curated, hand-picked selections at The Vault. In our conversation with Cyril Camus, we delve into his journey, the history of the brand, and the innovative spirit that drives Camus to new heights.
Founded in 1863, Camus has carved out a unique niche in the Cognac industry. Cyril Camus’s great-great-grandfather established the brand with a vision that has persisted through generations: to produce exceptional Cognac that stands on its own merit. Unlike many of its competitors, Camus began as a winegrower, selling its products to established houses. However, in a bold move, the founder decided to market his own Cognac, thus laying the foundation for a brand that would eventually thrive in the luxury sector like no other for more than a century. Camus—the man—reflects on this history with pride, noting that being a newcomer in an industry dominated by long-established houses has shaped their approach. “We came in about 150 years after some of the already established Cognac houses,” he says. “Even though we are 162 years old, we are still young in the industry!” A pioneering spirit is deeply entrenched within the company, driving the brand to focus on the high end of the Cognac range, specifically targeting the ultra-luxury market.
Cyril Camus took the helm of the family business at the young age of 33, a time when many would still be finding their footing in the world. However, his journey into the Cognac industry was not driven by familial obligation but by a genuine passion for the craft. He tells us that “there was no pressure from my father to join the business, but he made it very attractive. I travelled the world with him, saw how much happiness Cognac gives to the world. […] He made it all so exciting. How could I not like it?”
Encouragement allowed Cyril Camus to explore the many facets of the Cognac world, from production to consumer interaction. His early experiences, including globetrotting business trips with his father, provided him with invaluable insights into how consumers perceive Cognac. “He focused on how people react to what we do,” Camus explains, and this understanding of consumer experience has been pivotal in shaping the house’s direction, ensuring that each generation surpasses the last in both quality and innovation.
One of the hallmarks of the brand is its commitment to discovery, and the fifth-generation producer highlights that while many luxury brands cling to traditional methods, Camus embraces change. “Our goal is [for] each generation to surpass what the previous generation has done,” he asserts, explaining how this ethos has led them to explore new frontiers in the Cognac industry, pushing boundaries that others have not dared to cross.
An example of this innovative spirit is the recent collaborations with the world of art. Camus has partnered with renowned artists to create visually stunning bottles that tell a story. Earlier this year, in the 2025 edition of Best of the Best by Robb Report Hong Kong, Camus was prominently featured. Its stunning Poets & Birds collection, housed in crystal decanters designed by Brazilian artist Janaïna Milheiro, is a staggeringly beautiful artefact. Previously, the Camus 4.186 Electrum, housed in a Baccarat decanter, was designed by the sculptor Serge Manseau. In fact, the frequent collaborations between the maison and artists studded around the world has become somewhat a signature of Camus, as is the heady aroma that is unique to the brand. Such artistic collaborations serve to enhance the sensory experience of enjoying Cognac, reinforcing the house’s commitment to beauty and refinement. “We bring together beauty and refinement to create emotion and pleasure,” Camus explains.
His international outlook has played a significant role in shaping the maison. Having spent more than three decades living in China, he has witnessed the transformation of Cognac from a niche luxury product to a widely consumed spirit in the region. His happenstance (or foresight) in learning the Chinese language as a teenager not only facilitated his personal connection with consumers but also positioned Camus to take advantage of the burgeoning Cognac market in Asia. He notes that “the Chinese market has grown to become one of the largest markets for Cognac.” He came to China during his university years and fell in love with the region, and, in many ways, never left. (“I travel to France every month but for decades, Shanghai has been home.”) It is this growth that has allowed the brand to thrive, adapting its strategies to meet the diverse preferences of consumers across different cultures. “Cognac is a completely international business,” he adds, emphasising its global appeal. “Most of it is consumed [and] enjoyed outside of France, which is very unique factor.”
At the core of the Cognac experience is the notion of sharing. Cyril Camus describes Cognac as a celebratory drink, often reserved for significant moments in life. Whether it’s a business deal or a graduation, “Cognac is typically something that’s shared,” he explains, and the communal aspect of drinking Cognac enhances its status, creating an emotional connection between the drink and the consumer. In addition to being a drink you can enjoy by yourself in a bar on a casual Friday, there’s a luxe patina that makes Cognac perfect for a momentous occasion.
Cyril Camus himself enjoys Cognac in various settings, whether as a pre-dinner drink, during meals, or consumed during intimate gatherings with friends. He believes that the experience of drinking Cognac goes far beyond the liquid itself—it has the ability to foster deeper connections. “Cognac has a tendency to facilitate conversation,” he says, highlighting its role in building relationships. “We’ve had long talks over glasses, late into the night.”
Innovation at the house of Camus is not limited to artistic collaborations. We caught up with Alexa and Cyril Camus, accompanying a few VIPs in town for the grand unveiling of the Sous Les Mers collector’s piece at Sotheby’s, the latest expression from its Voyages Extraordinaires collection, available for approximately—pause for effect—HK$1.87 million.It goes without saying that it’s an extraordinarily artistic (and exclusive) bottle, of which there are only five in the world. A fruitful partnership with famed French crystal-maker Daum, the remarkable decanter that’s under the aegis of a crystal and bronze octopus is a tip of the hat to Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, as Captain Nemo’s submarine Nautilus encounters the kraken, the mythic sea creature that attacks the adventurers.
Cyril Camus has embarked on ambitious projects that explore unconventional methods of production. Inspired by the works of Jules Verne, he and his team submerged barrels of Cognac in the ocean to witness the effects of pressure and temperature on the blending process. “We discovered that the transformation was unlike anything we had seen before. We tried to imagine, ‘How would [Captain Nemo] make Cognac?’ He would obviously do it under the sea!” he recounts. His groundbreaking approach has resulted in a Cognac that is more aromatic and complex than traditional methods could achieve.
As Cyril Camus looks ahead, he is committed to maintaining the legacy of the maison while embracing new opportunities and innovations. His recent investment in a whiskey company in China reflects his desire to expand Camus’s reach and influence. “I want to create the most aromatic whiskey in the world,” he asserts, drawing on his expertise in Cognac production and his deep knowledge of baijiu traditions to push the boundaries of what is possible in the spirits industry.
Cyril Camus’s vision for the future is not just about creating exceptional products—it’s about redefining luxury itself. He believes that true luxury lies in the ability to provide unique experiences that create genuine connections between people. “Bringing all this together in a refined way creates a level of emotion that is just out there,” he points out to the busy arteries of Central, Hong Kong—but really addressing the world at large.
Sotheby’s Hong Kong is now offering the limited-edition Sous Les Mers collector’s piece at its Sotheby’s Maison through the end of August 2025.
All original images by Chris Yau. Other images courtesy of Camus.
