Ampersand is a new Swedish company founded to create one-of-a-kind products through the collaborative work of recognized experts from different disciplines. With this innovative spirit, the firm launched its first project, which will be presented in a series of chapters. Et No. 1 (Chapter 1) is a spectacular limited edition cognac.
For this project, Ampersand emphasized the quality of the fine Swedish handmade glassware tradition and the development of sparkling wines and supreme quality cognacs. The result is a splendid spirit—aged an average of 85 years—presented in an artistic crystal bottle that is, in itself, a beautiful collectible. Review our selection of rare and fine international spirits.
To develop this unique blend of historic proportions the company summoned two experts: Folke Andersson, Master Blender at the Finnish Grönstedts Cognac firm; and Richard Braastad, cellar master of the French distillery Maison Tiffon. Working in tandem, the experienced producers decided to combine the textures and flavors of champagnes produced in 1974 and 1943 with the remains of a delicate cognac that dates back to 1870. This blend resulted in an exquisite sweet cognac with a smooth texture, good body and light shades of caramel and apricot.
Swedish artist Goran Wärff designed the beautiful bottle in the shape of a horn, which were manufactured by Jan-Erik Ritzman and Sven-Åke Carlsson, two artists and master glassmakers from the renowned Transjö Hytta “experimental workshop”. Each numbered bottle is signed by the artists and sold in a superb oak box, with a silk covered interior in the same dark blue shade of the crystal bottles.
This superlative cognac, its artistic packaging, and absolute singularity is worthy of being included the finest collections. Et No. 1, the first chapter in a series of Ampersand deliveries, will be produced in a limited edition of only 300 bottles, each with a price of $8,000. Undoubtedly, this unique product celebrates craftsmanship and attention to detail. It is also an invitation for a new concept that highly appreciates subtlety and innovation. ■
