The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2019 - Issue 26

bite drinks Interestedly, a Rome de Bellegarde treasure was discovered in the cellars of Cognac house Jean Fillioux by fifth-generation cellar master Pascal Fillioux in 2004 and is believed to be the very first blend created by Jean Fillioux in 1894. The cognac, a blend of four eaux-de-vie (spirits) is contained in a French crys- tal bottle. In collaboration with Jean Fillioux Cognac, Rome de Bellegarde introduced the limited-edition 1894 L’Eveil des Sens (The Awakening of the Senses) last year. As a company that aims to promote high-quality craftsman- ship and unique quality products by providing immersive experiences to its very select clientele through events as well as concept stores, Rome de Bellegarde has collaborated with well-established luxury brands such as Fabergé and Legado, M Restaurant Group and artist Ghass Rouzkhosh. They also strive to become the main player within the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industry with a clear focus on sustainability and impact as it specifically relates to less advantaged countries. In 2018, the luxury drinks brand commissioned internationally acclaimed Iranian-French artist Ghass Rouzhosh to create 150 limited-edition bottles, combining the quintessential cognac with Ghass’ contemporary edge. The 750ml decanters were ex- quisitely hand-painted with world peace as the centre theme to the design. The artist’s elegant creations paid homage to the number 13 and the inspired Rome de Bellegarde XIII + I, the name of this particular limited-edition cognac. Speaking about the commission, Rome de Bellegarde founder David Smeralda said, “We are honoured to see our bottles reim- agined by this masterful artist. He created a unique and stylish design that elegantly underlines the richness and rarity of our cognac, whilst capturing how iconic and precious this drink is… This new collection also marks the first of several excit- ing collaborations between Rome de Bellegarde’s luxury liquor and other meaningful artists.” Rome de Bellegarde’s 1894 L’Eveil des Sens also entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive 40ml cognac measure ever bought at just over £10K. The money was donated to the Global’s ‘Make Some Noise’ char- ity. Not stopping there, the brand partnered with M Restaurant Group who became the first on-trade venue to offer 1894 L’Eveil des Sens cognac. On offer at the time was a 10ml shot for £2,514 and one-litre decant- er for a whopping £250,000. In October this year, Rome de Bellegarde joined forces with iconic jewellery brand Fabergé and Barbados’ new- est and most luxurious ci- gar brand, Legado (meaning legacy), owned by Rorrey Fenty, singer Rihanna’s brother, to celebrate the international debut of Legado Cigars - Rorrey Fenty Collection. The event which took place at The Vinyl Factory in Soho, London was a celebration of past and present, championing the modern meaning of family legacy amongst 200 friends and family of each respective brand. Attended by Rihanna, Lester Brathwaite, Lee Trapstar, Fifi An- icah, Thomas van Straubenzee, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Leila Rouass, Vince Fraser, Julia Varvara, Adam Morse, and Bluey Robinson, four bespoke handcrafted boxes designed by Bonadea founder Gemma M. de Ana for the event were unveiled and auctioned. These included the Visionnaire Rose Gold with Diamond Ba- guette by Fabergé, exclusive handmade cigars by Legado, and the world’s most expensive cognac by Rome de Bellegarde. Normally presented in a glass bottle within an ultra-contem- porary box, 1894 L’Eveil des Sens took shape in a 24-karat gold-plated decanter for the Legado x Fabergé x Rome de Belle- garde event. This gorgeous special edition that caught my eye is enough to make you want to have it in your rare collection. But, it appears to be everywhere being photographed with a glass or two of its rare liquid, among Gucci or Louis Vuitton bags, cool-looking figurines, or its two new partners, Legado cigars and Fabergé timepieces. With an inventory of 66 bottles of Rome de Bellegarde 1894, 10 bottles of Rome de Bellegarde XIII+1 from their collab- oration with Ghass Rouzkhosh and 70 bottles of the original XIII+1 and 240 bottles of Bellegarde XO - the numbers may have changed due to sales - Rome de Bellegarde really landed on their feet since they relaunched last year. We look forward to hearing more from the brand and salute those who are elite members of the Rome de Bellegarde club. Images courtesy of MGC London