50 Cent drops $25,000 Cognac with Lalique
Rapper Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson has teamed up with French glassmaker Lalique to launch 505 Edition Branson Cognac, valued at US$25,000.
Branson Cognac is part of Jackson’s Sire Spirits portfolio, which he founded in 2018.
The 505 Edition Branson Cognac is a blend of 200 Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie, some of which date back more than 100 years. They have been aged in Limousin oak barrels within the dry cellars of the Louis Charlin House’s Paradis.
The Cognac is presented in a custom, hand-crafted crystal carafe by Lalique, which is crowned with a lion and inspired by René Lalique’s early 20th century perfume bottle.
Its notes include dried fig, black liquorice and Sichuan pepper on the nose, while white truffle and candied fruits can be found on the palate.
Jackson first approached Lalique at the end of 2019 with the idea of designing a vessel ‘worthy of the artistry of the liquid within’. Since then, he is said to have visited Lalique’s workshop in Alsace on multiple occasions.
He said: “This Cognac represents a legacy I want to pass on – the nectar will still have a story to tell, and the crystal carafe will endure as a unique piece of art.
“This is more than a Cognac – it’s a manifesto, a bridge between French heritage, the American dream, and my strong belief in conscious capitalism. It represents everything that embodies an aspirational lifestyle.
“Through Lalique’s artistry and my foundation’s mission, we’ve created something timeless that will inspire for generations.”
There are 505 hand-etched and individually numbered decanters available worldwide. Each is presented in a bespoke display case that is hand-crafted from wood and marble. The cases are also accented with brass-plated hardware and light up to reveal compartments showcasing the decanter and snifters.
Additionally, the 505 Edition Branson Cognac is presented with a custom-etched Branson × Lalique plaque, discreet storage, a glass serving pipe, and a premium leather carry bag.
It was first unveiled at an exclusive launch event on 15 October at the Lalique Townhouse in Manhattan, New York.
The opportunity to purchase is by invitation only, and buyers must first make a US$5,000 donation to The G-Unity, Jackson’s non-profit charity that empowers youth and underserved communities.
Once completed, buyers are then able reserve a specific bottle number and have a 30-day option to finish the purchase for an additional US$20,000. A white glove international delivery service is offered for an additional fee.
Purchasers will also become ‘founding members’ of the 505 Society, a virtual private club that offers things like a custom hand-crafted Lalique coin and digital NFT, and invitations to VIP events, concerts, and sporting experiences in Jackson’s private suites.
Silvio Denz, executive chairman of the Lalique Group, added: “I am honoured by this collaboration with Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson, a true visionary. Though we come from different worlds, we share the same values: audacity, excellence, and creativity. Together, we have surpassed the boundaries of imagination.”
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