Carlos I, the renowned Solera Gran Reserva brandy, presents its collaboration with the Spanish artist Felipao to give life to a limited edition that unites tradition with the vibrant world of contemporary art. This exclusive design becomes a canvas that reflects Felipao’s vision and unique style.
The beginning of this collaboration takes place at La Bodega de Mora in El Puerto de Santa María, the heart of Osborne. Felipao designed and created a sculpture of his iconic menina as the center of this projectwhich is displayed in the cellar. The creation of this design represents a personal and artistic process for the author, who found inspiration in the colors and energy of Carlos I’s winery, and which he later transferred to the bottle. “The colors that I saw in the winery, from the golden tones of the brandy to the green of the surroundings and the pink bougainvilleas, helped me shape this work,” says Felipao, highlighting how the light and the environment influenced his proposal.
The Menina that decorates this unique edition of Carlos I goes beyond being a simple symbol. For Felipao, it is a figure that, like brandy, represents a bridge between history and the present: “My menina is modern, from the 21st century, just like Carlos I brandy, which has not remained anchored in the past, but has known how to evolve with the times. The effect caused by the modernization of La Menina is comparable to the transformation of brandy in recent years, which has gone from traditional consumption to exploiting all the versatility that brandy offers through modern, fresh and surprising mixology. Felipao’s new design also combines the classic with the contemporary, offering a proposal that redefines both the iconic figure and the brandy itself, creating a deep connection between the two.
The orange color, characteristic of Carlos I brandy, remains as the central axis in the design, symbolizing the warmth and tradition of this drink.. However, Felipao also incorporates new cheerful colors, characteristic of his works, but on this occasion inspired by the surroundings of Carlos I’s winery. Colors that evoke freshness and energy, suggesting the rich aromas and flavors that characterize this brandy. This color combination not only reflects the energy and liveliness of the place, but also evokes the flavors and aromas that Carlos I brandy holds.
Felipao’s creative process with Charles I was a challenge that he took on with enthusiasm.. “I always wanted to design a bottle and its packaging. “It was the perfect opportunity to show the current image of brandy, transforming it into something fresh, warm and contemporary,” says the artist. This innovative approach is also reflected in the cocktails designed for the occasion, where colors play an essential role, evoking the sensory diversity of the drink. Felipao adds: “Cocktails like the ‘Sunrise’ evoke that feeling of light and warmth, just as the bottle and the brandy do.”
By comparing his creative process with that of brandy, Felipao recognizes the similarities between both. “Making a sculpture is complex, just like making brandy. There are many steps behind each work, from molding to lacquering, and in each phase there is a level of detail and precision similar to that needed to create a quality brandy. “he comments. This connection between art and the production of liquor reinforces the cohesion between the figure of Menina and Carlos I brandy, both products of a meticulous artisanal process. This piece is available in specialized stores and on the Carlos I website at a price of 27 euros.
