Larsen decorates bottle with 24-carat gold
Cognac brand Larsen is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its Viking ship-shaped bottle with the release of a limited edition expression adorned with 24-carat gold.
Larsen’s Drakkar Viking ship-shaped bottle was first released in 1952, and represents the Nordic heritage of the brand’s founder, Jens Reidar Larsen. Over the past 70 years, the Anora Group-owned brand has sold nearly 100,000 limited edition bottles. David Croizet, master blender of Larsen, said: “[The] creation of the first Drakkar bottle originated during a time of prosperity and booming sales of Cognac. “New innovations in the glass and porcelain industry enabled a whole new way of branding that led to what has become the most emblematic bottle in the world of Cognac. “Throughout the years these bottles have been designed in celebration of various events linked to the Larsen house and the Larsen collectors' club.” Chuan Jia partnership To mark its 70th birthday, Larsen has collaborated with Chinese artist Chuan Jia on the design of a new Cognac, called Boundless Harmony. The design is limited to 300 bottles and has been 'enhanced' with 24-carat gold. "Whilst collaborating with Larsen, my inspiration was to create a simple and dynamic artwork to reflect the brand's innovative nature,” Jia explained. “The unique shape of the bottle ignited visions of an ever-changing ocean and an ever-flowing universe. "I used abstract shapes depicting swimmers, sea creatures and elements tied to the enjoyment of Cognac, such as glasses and barrels, to embody the harmonious movement and exchanges between the sea and the sky.” The bottle contains a blend of eaux-de-vies of two crus, Grand Champagne and Petite Champagne. The resulting liquid offers ‘fruit aromas and a floral bouquet’. “The creation of this anniversary edition was inspired by the bottle combining the tradition of French Limoges porcelain craftsmanship with the artistic expression of Chuan Jia,” Croizet added. “The Cognac is therefore a blend of a selection of very old Cognacs exclusively from Grande and Petite Champagne crus from the Paradis Larsen cellar in the fruity style of the house.” Boundless Harmony will be available in select markets in 2023, including one 'unique' piece that will be auctioned at a charity event in China. Last September, Larsen unveiled a limited Sneaker Edition of its VSOP bottling in tribute to street fashion.
