Cristal is the prestige cuvée of the famous Champagne House, Louis Roederer, founded in 1776. In the 19th century, the Champagne House was purveyor to the Imperial Court of Russia. Tsar Alexander II, fearing he was to be assassinated, requested that his champagne be bottled in clear glass with a flat bottom so no explosives could be hidden. Roederer responded to the challenge by having a Belgian glassmaker produce a thick flat-bottomed bottle which could contain the pressure of the champagne. Born from this was the finest champagne in a made from clear-cut lead crystal, leading to this premium champagne bearing the name Cristal.

Beginning in 1945, this King of Champagnes became available to mere mortals, so long as they could afford it. The aristocratic elite and rising wealth of the Hip-Hop Oligarchs meant that the new Tsars of industry and music could afford it, leading to a rise in profile and consumption. During the nineties Cristal became the favourite champagne of R&B and hip hop stars, who christened it simply 'Cris'. Today it is still a favourite among the elite and retains its association to the success and prestige of those who drink it.

Further below, you can see bottles of the luxurious champagne playing an integral part of the music video to 'Hypnotize', in one of deceased rap superstar The Notorious B.I.G.'s biggest hits. Below that is the music video for 2Pac's 'Thug Passion' who made his own drink of the same name with Cristal.

Notorious B.I.G.'s song 'Hypnotize':





2Pac's 'Thug Passion':

(sources: dailymotion.com, youtube.com)