PR85784

COGNAC, France, Sept. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

-- The world-renowned architect pays homage to the odyssey of the 'Extra Old'

   cognac with a 150th Anniversary Masterpiece

Hennessy is pleased to unveil a masterpiece decanter designed by world-renowned

architect Frank Gehry in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Hennessy X.O.  

Using his signature sculptural style to reinterpret Hennessy X.O's iconic

bottle, the prolific creator marries gold and glass to extol the rich legacy of

the Hennessy Maison. The end result ushers in a fitting new era for the Extra

Old Cognac with a striking design that encapsulates Frank Gehry's trademark

unconventional aesthetic with Hennessy's daring sensibilities.

Video -

https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1281116/Frank_Ghery_XO_Collaboration.mp4

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1281119/Hennessy_XO.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1281120/Hennesy_Logo.jpg

To discover Hennessy X.O is to discover an unexpected sensorial experience.

This ethos is exemplified with an exclusive, limited run of 150 extraordinary

numbered decanters, imprinted with Frank Gehry's signature. A wider release of

limited-edition Hennessy X.O bottles also created by Frank Gehry, will launch

in markets worldwide to further celebrate this exceptional collaboration.

150 years after its creation, at the 2020 harvest season, Hennessy X.O

commissioned a remarkable World Odyssey, unveiling Frank Gehry's creation to

the world on September 25th on the same day as the epic, ephemeral daytime

firework event by artist Cai Guo-Qiang over Cognac's Charente River. The

centerpiece of Hennessy X.O's 150th anniversary World Odyssey program - the

event was shared globally via livestream-a first for both Cai Guo-Qiang and the

Maison. During this time of global transformation and togetherness, these two

friends and creative masterminds express their dual vision for a hopeful future

as they respond to and amplify Hennessy Maison's universal values of joy,

optimism, and resilience.

Speaking on the collaboration Frank Gehry said, "It was an honor to be asked to

celebrate this milestone for Hennessy X.O. While I was excited, it was also

daunting because a bottle of cognac is already a work of art-one you can smell,

taste, and feel-it doesn't need embellishment as it's already there. We are

showing how we can be creative within that language. There's such a powerful

history and a serious emotional commitment from the people that make this

product. It has a resonance that's interesting to tie into and become a part

of."

To learn more and view a film on the 150th Anniversary Masterpiece by Frank

Gehry, visit:

https://www.hennessy.com/en-int/collaborations/hennessy-xo-x-frank-gehry

To view Cai Guo-Qiang's firework celebration of Hennessy's 'A World Odyssey'

and learn more, visit:

https://www.Hennessy.com/en-int/stories/cai-guo-qiang-live-event

A SHIMMERING BEACON OF MASTER CRAFTSMANSHIP

Frank Gehry's boundless designs (including The Guggenheim Bilbao, Walt Disney

Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and The Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris to name a

few) never stop pushing the theme of movement-the ground bends, walls lean,

lines defy gravity, and the impossible is not only imagined but executed with

pure emotion and visual poetry.

Frank Gehry has created the Hennessy X.O masterpiece with the same philosophy,

passion, and curiosity as he does when designing his architectural

masterpieces. Just as he always respects the surrounding environment of his

work, Frank Gehry deeply considered the rich customs, composition, and art of

distillation of the storied Hennessy X.O Cognac, as well as taking into account

the savoir faire heritage of the Hennessy Maison.

AN EVOCATIVE APPROACH

Drawing inspiration from the rich Hennessy X.O blend, and the vital soil,

twisting vines, and the glistening Charente River that runs through the

Hennessy Maison, Frank Gehry has created a true sensorial masterpiece. The

iconic Hennessy X.O bottle is enveloped in a crinkled sleeve of 24 carat

gold-dipped bronze, evoking the radiant movement of water as it reflects the

light.  The sculptural decanter is encased by a fractured glass glorifier,

which further amplifies the inspiration of water and light.

"I wanted to bring it to life, and so I took inspiration from its birthplace

and used this crumpling effect of the material that gives it a feeling of

movement," Gehry adds. "The materials I've chosen catch the light and make this

a really beautiful object on its own, but then you realize it is a bottle of

Hennessy X.O."

The thought-provoking and challenging design was executed with the work of

artisans who created the second skin of Hennessy X.O. Just like the master

blenders, who pass on their expertise, the artisans perpetuate an art form and

the gift of secret craftmanship. Each stage that went into bringing Gehry's

idea to life, required care, attention, high standards and patience.

A UNIQUE AND UNPREDICTABLE TOUCH

To further the experience of the decanter, Frank Gehry has created a luminous

and beautifully understated fusil made of brass and gold. The device keenly

reflects the Hennessy cellar master's ritual to extract the extra old cognac.

Further keeping with the element of surprise and contrast, the decanter,

glorifier and fusil are packaged in a protective case that is in itself a

design object, imprinted with Frank Gehry's signature and made of compressed

cardboard-an homage to a series of corrugated cardboard furniture Frank Gehry

designed in the 1970s.

ABOUT THE 150th ANNIVERSARY OF HENNESSY X.O

In 1870, Maurice Hennessy, a 4th-generation member of the Hennessy family,

asked the Cellar Master Emile Fillioux to create a special cognac for his

family and friends, using long-aged eaux-de-vie to perfect the blend. They

called it "X.O" for "Extra Old". Hennessy X.O became the first House blend to

attain international renown, to the point that the X.O classification became a

gauge of uncompromising quality.

In 1947, Gerald de Geoffre - Maurice Hennessy's great-grandson - created its

iconic carafe, a shape inspired by an upturned cluster of grapes. Today,

Hennessy X.O remains as true as it was when Maurice Hennessy first shared it

with his inner circle. A timeless symbol with a powerful and balanced

structure, it carries the promise of an extremely long finish: each drop an

invitation to embark on an odyssey of the senses through seven tasting notes.

In 2020, Hennessy X.O celebrates its 150th birthday by honoring its history

while looking to the future. To mark the occasion during these unprecedented

times of renewal, Hennessy Maison will continue the World Odyssey in a

remarkable way, by supporting the global community through charity initiatives.

The odyssey continues with a shared vision of community and connection as we

move forward together with perseverance and promise.

ABOUT HENNESSY

The leader in Cognac, the Maison Hennessy has shone around the world with its

exceptional blends for more than 250 years. Built on founder Richard Hennessy's

spirit of conquest, the brand is present in more than 160 countries.

Based in the heart of the Charente region, Hennessy is also a steadfast pillar

of the regional economy, the standard-bearer for a sector rich in expertise.

The House's success and longevity are rooted in the excellence of its cognacs,

each of which is born of a unique process of transmission from generation to

generation.

The first spirits house to be certified ISO 14001, Hennessy unites its capacity

for innovation and the support of all of its partners to protect this

exceptional area.

As the crown jewel of the LVMH Group, Hennessy is a major contributor to French

international trade, with 99% of production sold in export, and a worldwide

ambassador for the French art de vivre.

Hennessy is imported and distributed in the U.S. by Moet Hennessy USA. Hennessy

offers a full range: Hennessy V.S, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilege, Hennessy Black,

Hennessy X.O, Hennessy Prive, Hennessy Paradis, Hennessy Paradis Imperial and

Richard Hennessy.

Imported Cognac Hennessy(R) 40% Alc./Vol. (80 proof), (C)2020 Imported by Moet

Hennessy USA, Inc., New York, NY

[1] The materials available in each country may vary due to local regulation on

alcohol advertising

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY - NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN FRANCE

Contact: Will Davis, will.davis@6degrees.group, +1 212-463-7245

SOURCE: Hennessy