FIFTY lead crystal decanters have been designed and produced by a Furness firm for a limited edition 60-year-old cognac.

Ulverston-based Cumbria Crystal was selected by Hermitage Cognac to produce the bespoke decanters which will be filled by a spirit called 'Marie Louise.' It is extremely rare and comes from “one of the region’s top artisan makers” according to Hermitage Cognac Managing Director David Barker.

Each decanter is extremely rare and comes from “one of the region’s top artisan makers” according to Hermitage Cognac managing director David Barker.

The one litre decanters have a price tag of £1,650 and are deemed a true cognac connoisseurs tipple.

“David wanted to use a British crystal manufacturer and Cumbria Crystal is one of the finest in the world," said Cumbria Crystal managing director Chris Blade. "Being a small company we are flexible and able to entertain relatively small batch runs, so we were a logical choice.

"It’s exciting to be involved in such a rare and special project. Complying with incredibly fine tolerances in weight, vacuity and neck bore diameter is quite a challenge for our glass blowers.

"These dimensions are dictated by how much liquid glass is gathered by hand from the furnace and consistency is everything. They were gathering to an accuracy of 20g. Not bad for a liquid at 1,250 degrees on the end of 1.5 metres of metal blowing iron!

"The design was chosen for its simple and timeless aesthetic and ability to show off the colour of the cognac. Cumbria Crystal were proud to be involved, the best and rarest Cognacs deserve to be paired with the best hand-made crystal in Britain.”