http://www.thedrinksreport.com/:
A Hardy France has unveiled a limited edition of 400 crystal decanters crafted by French crystal manufacturer Lalique. The decanter, entitled Printemps, contains a blend of Grande Champagne cognac.
Designed to resemble a perfume bottle and packaged in a white leather case, the decanter is topped with a sculpted green crystal stopper inspired by Rene Lalique’s original design. A Hardy France began its decanter series in 1981 with crystal manufacturer Daum. The collaboration with Lalique began in late 2012.
Printemps is the first in a line of four crystal carafes, each being released at two-year intervals. The carafes will be named after a season, those being spring (printemps), summer, (l’ete), fall (l’automne), and winter (l’hiver). The designs and colours of the future decanters won’t be disclosed until they are ready for release.
Over the past three decades, A Hardy France has teamed with Baccarat and Daum to design carafes, so the collaboration with Lalique was a natural progression. The partnership between Lalique and A. Hardy France has resulted in one product combining the famous names and reputations of the renowned crystal and cognac manufacturers.
According to A Hardy US president Mark Levinson: “There is a specific niche of connoisseurs that will especially appreciate this very exclusive Grande Champagne. Due to its unique combination of name recognition, superior quality and limited production, we anticipate significant ‘buzz’ about Hardy Printemps in the national and international spirits industries.”
A Hardy France North America export manager Benedicte Hardy adds: “The Grande Champagne cognacs are based upon a collection of small batches that my grandfather Armand Hardy set aside between 1920 and 1940. The four Lalique crystal creations containing these rare cognacs is an honour and a dream come true for me and the entire Hardy family.” A Hardy Printemps crystal decanters are 75cl, 80% proof and are primarily aimed at the US, Canadian and China markets. Average retail price is US$14,000-18.000.
