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These values are summed up by a single number: 8.
8: the number of generations not only of the Hennessy family
but also of the Fillioux family, the Maison Master Blenders.
Yann Fillioux represents the 7th generation and his dauphin
and nephew Renaud Fillioux de Gironde will represent the 8th;
8: the number of exceptional eaux-de-vie used in Hennessy
8; 8: the symbol of perfection. According to Yann Fillioux,
Hennessy 8 is “absolute perfection and absolutely simple.”
Finally, it is a hymn to freedom and originality: the creators
of Hennessy 8 were free to develop it without worrying about
replication. It is a unique masterpiece, the only one of its kind.
A fitting carafe was needed for this cognac fashioned by time,
people and nature. This creation was entrusted to Arik Lévy,
an artist who has collaborated with Hennessy for many years
and whose approach is perfectly in tune with Hennessy’s
values and “soul.” It took 3 years to develop and realize this
gem, the ultimate expression of minerality, the work of nature,
the importance of time and human genius. Everything in Arik
Lévy’s design for Hennessy 8 has a meaning.
It includes a number of eloquent references to Hennessy’s
history and values. First of all, the carafe: a crystal sculpture
with 8 inset rings. Each ring represents one of the 8
generations and 8 eaux-de-vie. Together with the other rings,
it creates an impression of movement and constant change,
enhanced by the piece’s symbolism: the chain of successive
generations and the harmonious blend of eaux-de-vie in a
crystalline matrix that sparkles with reflected light.
The carafe is made of hand-blown Baccarat crystal.
Each carafe is a feat of technical prowess - a combination
of “hot savoir-faire” and “cold savoir-faire” - and a real
achievement for the master glassmaker who followed Arik
Lévy’s design to make it.
A copper silk ribbon with a “H” seal circles the carafe’s neck,
emphasizing its majestic bearing. A well-known savoir-faire
mastered and realized by Guerlain, the famous French
Perfume Maison.
Best known publicly for his
sculptures – such as his signature
Rock pieces –, his installations,
limited editions and design, Levy
nevertheless feels “The world is
about people, not objects.”
An emblem of beauty, purity and perfection, the carafe stopper
is engraved with oral motifs that symbolically echo the 8 rings.
A precious chest holds and protects the carafe, cradling it like
a nourishing “shell” rich in natural elements and minerals. The
artist used staves from La Sarrazine, Hennessy cooperage, to
make the chest. Inside the chest, each of the 25 layers of wood
represents 10 years of Hennessy’s history and corresponds to
the 25 layers on the outside of the chest.
The chest refers to Hennessy and its expertise: the Maison
still makes some of its own barrels and keeps pushing the
boundaries on the distillation process. It also recalls the
Maison origins: the chest is cut irregularly from top to bottom
to symbolize the Charente River, with a “bed” of copper glowing
from inside. This work of art is an ode to nature, a historic
setting and human creativity, designed by Arik Lévy and signed
by Hennessy, the mark of excellence!
Every single detail of Arik Lévy’s ingenious, powerfully evocative
design has been carefully thought out. He has even created
a complete, finely crafted “tool box”. In it are among other
things a set of Riedel tasting glasses, a fusil (pipette), a carnet
describing the genesis and spirit of Hennessy 8 and the Maison
values. The key for Hennessy 8 chest will also be handed over,
opening this exceptio nal chest...