The year 2016 marks a time of transition for Maison Hennessy as, in its 250th year, the seventh generation master blender Yann Fillioux hand’s over the reins to his nephew, Renaud Fillioux de Gironde. To honour the arrival of Hennessy’s eighth generation master blender Yann Fillioux has created his ultimate blend: the legacy cognac Hennessy·8, presented in a limited edition of 250 bottles.
Hennessy·8 is a symbol of Hennessy’s heritage of transmission from one generation to the next. It is the result of a precious alchemy: Hennessy·8 is also named after the eight eau-de-vie it contains. Seven of these were hand-selected by Yann Fillioux to illustrate each of the seven successive generations of Hennessy master blenders. The eighth eau-de-vie was chosen by newly appointed Renaud Fillioux de Gironde.
Hennessy·8 was composed with the knowledge that this blend would be a one-time creation, a singular hymn to freedom, passion and originality. For Yann Fillioux, this cognac blend is nothing less than “a master blender’s dream come true”.
“The number eight is the eternal symbol of perfection, as Hennessy·8 well illustrates,” notes Yann Fillioux. “For me, it embodies ideal simplicity and absolute perfection.”
Because one masterpiece deserves another, Hennessy asked the internationally renowned artist Arik Levy to design an exceptional creation to showcase Hennessy·8. Crafted in hand-blown Baccarat crystal, the Hennessy·8 carafe is a veritable masterpiece of crystal-making savoir-faire. Its design features 8 inset rings, an ode to eight generations of master blenders and the eight eaux-de-vie inside. A crystal stopper engraved with a floral motif reprises the notion of eight rings, while a copper silk thread around the bottle’s collar leads to an “H” medallion sealed by a ribbon, a specialised technique perfected by Hennessy’s sister house, the Maison Guerlain.
Each carafe is individually numbered and signed by Arik Levy and may be personalised upon request. It is accompanied by an elegant box containing four tasting glasses originally designed by glassmaker Georg Riedel and Yann Fillioux 30 years ago; these have been re-edited exclusively for Hennessy·8. A pipette made of oak barrel wood and a cork holder are also included.
A keepsake brochure describing the genesis and spirit of Hennessy·8, as well as a dedicated key, a personalised authentication plate and a numbered certificate signed by Yann Fillioux complete the presentation of the Hennessy·8 legacy cognac. Hennessy·8 is crafted in 250 limited, numbered editions.
The debut edition of Hennessy·8 features just 100 carafes and chests worldwide. In the UK this will available exclusively through Harrods, price on application only.
Nick Fleming, spirits buyer at Harrods comments: “We are absolutely delighted to be launching the Hennessy 8 exclusively in The Spirits Room at Harrods. The liquid is elegant, complex and portrays the perfect balance between purity of fruit expression and precision of wood management, which only servers to highlight what has been achieved by the master blenders. The quality, innovation and creativity of this exceptionally crafted liquid, demonstrates the long term partnership between Harrods and Hennessy, making Hennessy 8 the perfect addition to our portfolio.” Hennessy 8 honours eight master blenders
22 June 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor
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