Hennessy V.S.O.P – do you know what the V.S.O.P stands for?
No? Neither did I, before I attended the Hennessy V.S.O.P New Bottle Launch party a few nights ago. Well, here’s the answer:
Yes, it all started in 1817.
Legends are shaped over time. The legend of Hennessy V.S.O.P. began on 7 October 1817, when the future King George IV of England asked the great French cognac House to supply him with a special cognac described in the records with the words “Very Superior Old Pale”. And that is how V.S.O.P came about!
This cognac’s personality has gone unchanged for nearly two centuries. Under the stewardship of Hennessy’s cellar master, the Tasting Committee hands down the secrets of selection, ageing and blending, as can be seen in the use, for maturation, of oak barrels that have lost part of their tannin, so as to avoid giving the eau de vie excessively woody notes while providing an elegant expression.
Today, the House’s Tasting Committee carries on this vision, as Olivier Paultes, Member of the Tasting Committee explains, “When blending the eaux de vie for Hennessy V.S.O.P., we harmonise a wide variety of sensory characteristics as a great Chef would, selecting from a wide range of ingredients to create an exceptional dish.”
Naturally, such an iconic cognac should be presented in a bottle whose curves signify the elegance and generosity of its content, as well as its balance and exceptional harmony. After an initial modernisation of the bottle in 1989, V.S.O.P. is moving resolutely into the 21st century, as can be seen in the work of designer Chris Bangle, a legendary figure in the automobile world, who has redesigned its contours to bring its sleek silhouette firmly into the future.
The gala launch of Hennessy V.S.O.P’s new bottle was held with great pomp and elegance at DoubleTree by Hilton in Kuala Lumpur on 18 May 2012. The ballroom was divided into two sections: a launch floor and an after-launch party lounge. Guests came dressed predominantly in black, perhaps to reflect the elegant theme of the evening. Compered by the witty and vivacious Will Quah, the evening started off on a great mood. A short video clip was shown, explaining briefly the concepts and ideas employed by Chris Bangle in coming up with the new bottle design.
And then, amidst thunderous applause, the man himself – Chris Bangle – was introduced and invited on stage. Chris Bangle, an iconic designer in the automobile world, elaborated on his inspirations in redesigning the emblematic V.S.O.P bottle, by adding a definitely modern touch to its sleek lines.
“Designing for Hennessy gave me the same sensations as working on designs for fast BMWs or a great Rolls Royce. It is that experience of a unique emotion,” said Chris Bangle.
With that statement, the lights were dimmed and the spotlights came on, focusing on the Star of the evening… the sexy new Hennessy V.S.O.P Bottle was presented!
Photographers rushed forward, all eager to be the first ones to capture images of the new bottle. The rest of the guests moved on to the after-launch party area as the drapes were lifted to reveal an old-world charming nightclub lounge, resplendent with plush sofas, bar, music machine and all.
The good people at Moet Hennessy Diageo have spared no efforts or expenses to ensure guests had a swell time at the party. I think the biggest attraction in the lounge that night must surely be the 360 Cam booth. A round platform has been raised and there were countless cameras mounted above on a circular panel. Guests were given some props, like a guitar, a Hennessy bottle etc to pose with (and make faces) while the cameras snapped and recorded every movement! The photos and images will be viewable on Hennessy Malaysia’s Facebook Page soon, so head on over there to see the fun!
My favourites that evening!
About Hennessy
Hennessy is the world’s leading premium cognac brand. Founded in 1765, the house of Hennessy has continually strived to create the World’s finest cognacs.
Hennessy is a master of the art of blending fine aged cognac eaux-de-vie and has been creating fine cognac for seven generations. This heritage and savoir-faire has earned Hennessy Cognac world-wide renown and the appreciation of today’s greatest cognac connoisseurs, making which the brand the world’s number one cognac and the one of the world’s most sophisticated spirits.
About Moet Hennessy Diageo Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Moët Hennessy Diageo Malaysia (formally known as Riche Monde Malaysia) is the recognized industry leader in the marketing and distribution of premium branded spirits, champagnes and fine wines in Malaysia. Our portfolio includes some of the most well-known premium brands such as Hennessy cognac, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon and Krug champagne. Johnnie Walker Scotch Whiskies, Glenmorangie Single Malt, Belvedere Vodka, Grand Marnier, Gordon’s Gin, Smirnoff Vodka, Bailey’s Irish Cream as well as a wide range of quality wines from traditional and New World countries.
For further information, kindly visit www.hennessy.com and www.mhdm.com.my
Sean says
thanks for the little nugget of information! i didn’t know what VSOP stood for either. i thought it was some french words, heheh 😀
Pureglutton says
Haha…ya, I didn’t know that either, not before this event!
missyblurkit says
I’ve always thought it as VSOP until one fine day, Dad asked me whether I knew what it stands for. Was a teen then:D
Pureglutton says
I never knew what it stood for, until now, haha!