Celebratory drinks packs for Millennium

Drinks manufacturers are preparing to celebrate the Millennium with limited edition premium ranges.

Champagne producer Moet & Chandon has commissioned a limited edition millennium bottle. The commemorative Brut Imperial magnum packaging is the work of New York consultancy Sterling Group.

The silver packaging, in brushed tin, holds a countdown watch which counts down the days, hours, minutes and seconds to 1 January 2000.

To replace the signature Mot & Chandon ribbon, the bottle has a special black silk Year 2000 necktie, which gives it the look of a tuxedo or black party dress, says Sterling Group managing partner Marcus Hewitt. “The result is a contemporary yet classic design that is both elegant and exciting,” he says.

Meanwhile, R̩my Martin, part of the Highland Distillers Group, has appointed Verve Design to create a limited edition presentation case for its top of the range cognac. Louis XIII de R̩my Martin Rendez Vous Р2000 will be available from August.

The £2000 brandy will be held in a specially designed Baccarat crystal decanter, finished in 24-carat gold and personally monogrammed and numbered.

Buyers of the special edition will also be supplied with six goblets, made of the same crystal, and a book documenting the history of the brand. Bottles of Rémy Martin Extra and Rémy Martin XO variants are included in the offer.