The renowned Hennessy XO now has a new cover in a the form of a carafe designed by artist Arik Levy. The curves of the carafe have been unchanged since the Marquis de Geoffre traced them out in 1947. Thus, when designer Arik Levy declared one day that life is a system of signs and symbols where nothing is quite as it seems, Maison Hennessy realised that the artist’s creative process was a perfect match for its own concept, the ‘Exclusive Collection’.
Famous for his Rocks, which he installs in a variety of locations, Arik Levy designs objects with raw shapes, letting the material speak for itself. This feeling is synonymous with Hennessy’s craft, in which the skill lies in harmoniously blending the best eaux-de-vie.
Mr Levy chose to trace a plinth on which the carafe rests, taking inspiration from the Rocks that typify his work. The round curves of Hennessy XO carafe merge with the sharp geometry of its pedestal. Creating a play of reflections, the carafe takes on a metallic appearance on contact with this sharply cut piece of design. A deposit of pure silver brushes and fades against the surface of the carafe, wrapping the cognac in a game of hide-and-seek.
Masculine and powerful, Hennessy XO the Original delivers a strong, peppery heat spiced with cloves and hints of old leather. This power softens in the mouth, blurred by gourmet notes of vanilla, cinnamon and candied fruit.
