A decade ago, Michel Casavecchia, master distiller at the historic Château de Cognac, welcomed a very special guest to his cellar. Shawn Carter, better known as JAY-Z, was there to try the first samples of
what would eventually become D’USSÉ’s VSOP and XO cognacs.

The cellar master had a trick up his sleeve. “There was one barrel of a Grande Champagne cognac, made in 1969, from a unique distillation, that was maturing very well. Some of the typical cognac notes
– leather, cigar box, forest floor – weren’t perfectly in balance, but I knew how to correct that.” Casavecchia’s says, “blending cognac for me is like being the chef d’orchestre, arranging all these notes,
trying to make music. But this barrel was already harmonious: it just needed time.”

Jay-Z has one more reason to raise a glass after this weekend. A bottle of the billionaire’s D’USSE Cognac sold for more than $50,000 at Sotheby’s on Saturday to raise funds for his namesake organization, the Shawn Carter Foundation.

The ultra-rare Grande Champagne Cognac, fittingly dubbed Bottle No. 1, is the first release in the limited-edition 1969 Anniversaire Collection that comprises just 285 bottles. The prized expression, which had an estimated value of between $25,000 to $75,000, was snapped up by an unnamed bidder for $52,500. For that sum, we have age and aesthetics to thank.

A Diamond-Standard Birthday Present from D’USSÉ
The first single barrel release offered by the house, D’USSÉ 1969 Anniversaire Limited Edition Cognac is produced from a French oak that has been aged in the Château de Cognac cellars.
This 1969 Grande Champagne vintage was also produced from a single eau-de-vie, making it a rare glimpse into the history of the most prominent Cognac region. Upon being discovered in the D’USSÉ cellars, Cellar Master Michel Cassavecchia continued to let it mature, waiting for the right moment – which turned out to be the 50th birthday of D’USSÉ co-owner, the hip-hip mogul Jay-Z. After such an extended maturation, there was only enough of the liquid remaining to fill an estimated 150 to 200 diamond-shaped crystal decanters. Jay-Z decided to individually number the first 50 decanters, which were presented
to his family and close friends, with only the remaining bottles for general sale.

While D’USSÉ Cognac is crafted at one of the oldest Cognac houses in France, the Château de Cognac, the company only dates back to 2012. After more than 20 years in the industry, Cellar Master Michel Casavecchia founded D’USSÉ to create sumptuous VSOP and XO Cognac expressions. The winning combination of finely aged casks, high-profile investors and the hand of an experienced blender
makes this a Cognac house to keep an eye on.

Presentation of the bottle
The D’USSÉ 1969 Anniversaire edition is presented in a stunning crystal decanter shaped as a cut diamond, sitting on a black display pedestal reminiscent of the setting for a diamond ring. The D’USSÉ name and logo is emblazoned on top of the weighty stopper.

With a design as striking and unique as the liquid inside, this expression is sure to take centre stage in many prominent Cognac collections.