Maurice Hennessy is the name behind the “H” in LVMH, the world’s largest luxury brand. For nearly 250 years Hennessy has produced the finest cognacs on the planet and at a recent private dinner with Mssr. Hennessy at Lucques Restaurant in Los Angeles, CA, I experienced firsthand yet another reason for the ongoing appeal of the legendary brand, which has always done things with flair and panache.
On this special evening, guests entered the rustic carriage house of the original Harold Lloyd estate and were greeted with a perfectly-concocted glass of the Hennessy “Apple Fiz”. Mingling with Mr. Hennessy followed as guests sampled passed appetizers created by Lucques executive chef, Chef Suzanne Goib.
Once seated, our intimate group of 18 was regaled with tales of the many generations of history behind the amber-hued libation that has intrigued royals and rappers alike since its debut in 1765. After a brief talk, Mr. Hennessy presented assembled guests with a stunning 18-carat gold labeled crystalline glass decanter of Hennessy Paradis Imperial, which was just released in the United States and retails for $2,700.
The new bottle which was designed by award-winning French Baccarat designer Stephanie Balini celebrates not only the release of this prestigious and incomparable marque but also a 200 year old story steeped in elegance. First commissioned in 1818 by the Dowager Empress of Russia, this new edition of the special blend of very old, gold-colored eaux-de-vie of the finest quality pays tribute to the first delivery of Paradis Imperial with an eaux-de-vie that has the same pedigree as the original. Between 30 to 130 years-old and matured with individual care, Hennessy Paradis Imperial represent less than 1% of the eaux-de-vie of a given vintage at the original selection. Needless to say, it was a particularly special treat when servers arrived with trays filled with glasses of the rare blended cognac for each guest to sample as Maurice Hennessy schooled all in attendance on the art of discovering each of the notes that Paradis Imperial has to offer.
A lavish 3-course meal featuring Braised Beef and Steelhead Salmon followed with each course paired with Hennessy’s specialty mixed drinks which included The Hennessy Ginger and The Hennessy Spice. After raising a final toast, attendees noshed on a flourless chocolate torte topped roasted dates and a cup of espresso. It was a perfectly sweet ending to an even sweeter evening.
Find out more about Hennessy & Hennessy Paradise Imperial at www.hennessy.com. Follow Hennessy on Twitter @HennessyUS.