The launch party in Hong Kong’s Pacific Cigar Club on March 6 of three new glasses – a Champagne coupe, a cognac glass and a shot glass – in the 100 Points By James Suckling Collection, a collaboration between the wine critic and French luxury crystal maker Lalique, was reminiscent of a glistening scene taken straight from one of Jay Gatsby’s many extravagant soirées.
It was a party shrouded with opulence and revelry as more than 50 guests huffed and puffed on some of the top Cuban cigars in the world including Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 and Patagas Serie D No. 5. Pacific Cigar Company supplied the cigars as well as the venue, one of a half dozen of the best cigar lounges in Hong Kong.
Lalique owner Silvio Denz flew in to Hong Kong for the introduction of the glasses.
A 25-year-old rum from Cuba’s legendary Havana Club was also poured. It was the first Hong Kong debut of the Cohiba Atmosphere Union rum from Havana Club and James deemed it “incredible quality.” Many bottles of Champagne – Mumm and Drappier – were drank in the new Champagne coupe, an objet d’art “making every glass of sparkling wine a party in itself” as James described it.
In fact, there is a direct reference between one of the glasses and Fitzgerald’s protagonist. As James explained at the party, the Champagne coupe, whose design recalls the 19th century era of bourgeoisie France, was inspired by the glass that Gatsby uses to toast to his guests on a balcony against a sea of fireworks.
Yet the Cognac glass and shot glass are also manifest works of arts, embodying both modern design and tradition, and they left many of the guests at the party marvelling at the glasses’ beauty.
The Cognac glass is higher and smaller than traditional shapes to emphasize the color and complexity of the spirit and not just the alcohol. And the new shot glass is particularly well suited for spirits as well as Sake and Soju.
Having tried one of the glasses myself, I have to say it made the drinking experience extremely palatable and visually stimulating at the same time. Of course, not everyone can live the 100-point lifestyle given that each glass costs more than 100 euros.
But not to worry. Two more accessible glasses are on the way, as James revealed. “We will also be launching two new glasses that are less expensive than those in the 100 Point Collection. They will be more accessible to more people. These will be two amazing glasses with super-functional design but will also be incredibly beautiful and classic. We are always thinking about the future with Lalique and drinking great wines from great glasses,” maintained the wine critic.
For more information about the three new glasses, please click here.
Check out the launch event photos:
-NW
