This striking design is by Arik Levy for the Hennessy 8. The Paris-based multi-disciplinary artist collaborated with crystal specialist Baccarat for this limited-edition bottle and case. The design evokes the spirit of the cognac maker, its rich history and is a nod to the future.
Together with the Fillioux clans, Hennessy has, for more than 200 years, created some of the finest cognacs in the world. The former founded the maison in 1765, whilst the latter has been its master blenders since the early 1800s. Yann Fillioux is the seventh generation master blender who after 50 years in the business has handed the keys to the cellar to his nephew Renaud. Hennessy 8 is a commemorative blend to mark this momentous occasion.
‘Creation is an uncontrolled muscle,’ says Levy. ‘The world is about people, not objects,’ advocates the artist, technician, photographer, designer, video artist. For Hennessey 8 Levy’s brief was to envisage the marque some 200 years from now.
The result is a striking examples of bottle design, superbly executed and an expression of the brand going forward. All the materials used are in some way connected with the making of the spirit inside. It features eight crystal rings that loop around the bottle, which are then wrapped in a wooden case made with the oak of Hennessy cooperage, where barrels are carved by hand, replete with a copper inlay referencing the metal tools used in the distilling process.
The artist, cognac expert and crystal specialist worked closely together to design and develop the 60kg carafe, 250 bottles of which will be made only, each priced at €35,000.
Read about the latest book I collaborated on – The Life Negroni celebrates the craft distiller and the wonderful world of spirits.
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