Late last week, FSD got the chance to sit, talk shop and drink Hennessy with none other than Hennessy’s top dog, Maurice Hennessy, at the Sofitel in Chicago. Maurice, an 8th generation member of the family who’s Cognac bears the same name, was in Chicago promoting Hennessy’s new Privilège NyX collectors edition bottle (pictures below).
We discussed the new Privilège bottle in-depth, which features a new slick and sleek white-gold-ish casing, and is set to be available in select locations across Chicago (and everywhere else) just in time for the Holidays. (Mo also added that it’s a”Great Holiday present for around $50.”)
He later remarked that the newly designed bottle exudes “Confidence and class,” but the formula is “no different a normal bottle of Privilège.” He also recommended the best (or, uh, his favorite) way to enjoy a glass: “Good, cold ice,” and “Perhaps a little water.”
I had to ask Maurice his thoughts on Hennessy’s influence on the hip-hop community, and if he expected this new bottle to pop up in any music videos; he stated: “Frankly, I hope so. We”ll see.” He stated that he enjoys the straight to YouTube approach of artists these days. I also brought up the Hennessy KAWS bottle’s domination of J. Cole’s “Work Out” video, but I don’t think Maurice was up on Cole World.
We then went on to sample all six brands of Hennessy–most notably the XO which retails for $150 a bottle, the Paradis for $750, and the biggest of big guns, the Richard Hennessy, which is $3200 a bottle. I think it goes without saying that the Richard was unlike any cognac I’ve ever tasted. Here’s to hoping Maurice gets me a bottle for Christmas.
Hit the jump for pics of the new Privilège bottle as well as the official press release.
Then, if you’re searching for a new adventure to try with friends, this cocktail making class is just the thing. It’s interactive, fun, and leaves you with memories as strong as the drinks. Find out more about this amazing experience here for a great night out.
HENNESSY LIMITED-EDITION COLLECTOR BOTTLE DESIGNED TO SPARK THE NIGHT
Hennessy Privilège NyX Collector Showcases Iconic Brand’s Boundless Spirit
in Sleek, Bold Bottle DesignNew York, October 2011 – The bar has been set for those who dare to press the boundaries of imagination and stretch the limits of the night. Hennessy, the world’s number one selling Cognac, today announced the release of a new limited-edition offering – the Hennessy Privilège NyX Collector bottle. The latest creation reveals hidden facets of the long-established brand: a spirit of conquest, dynamism, and exploration of a world without borders.
The second in the brand’s “Privilège Collection,” the well-recognized Hennessy Privilège bottle is re-cast in a modern and daring translucent platinum glass with metallic purple trim inspired by a starry night. Logos etched in luminescent ink adorn the label, collar, and cork, and are visible only under black light.
“The new Hennessy Privilège packaging is a fresh adaptation of our iconic bottle and represents unique characteristics discovered within the bottle and inherent to those who enjoy Hennessy,” said Jennifer Yu, Director of Communications, Hennessy. “The collector edition’s smooth, sophisticated and distinct design evokes the imagination and conjures the endless possibilities when exploring the unknown or crafting the perfect night out.”
While the outer packaging features a modern edifice, inside remains the award-winning cognac that has been enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in refined cocktails for nearly 200 years. The accomplished and timeless Hennessy Privilège blends eaux-de-vie from the four best growing areas of the Cognac region to create the perfect balance of strength and smoothness. The modern bottle design provides the perfect vessel to house a cognac of unmatched roundness and complexity.
Each Hennessy Privilège NyX bottle will be marked with a limited edition number of authenticity, as well as a flash code tag that can be scanned by smart phones to unlock access to Hennessy’s mobile hub. Through this gateway, consumers can enter to win specially made, collectible Hennessy glasses to enhance their imbibing experience.
Privilège NyX will be available in Chicago in early November, with an approximate retail price of $45.
About Hennessy
Hennessy is imported and distributed in the U.S. by Moët Hennessy USA, Inc. and is produced by Jas Hennessy & Co., a subsidiary of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. Hennessy distills, ages and blends a full range of marques, including Hennessy V.S, Privilege V.S.O.P, Hennessy Black, X.O, Paradis and Richard Hennessy.