Maison Hennessy has revealed a striking new design for its rarest cognac expression, Richard Hennessy. The precious liquor is presented in an elegant Baccarat crystal decanter designed by celebrated architect Daniel Libeskind.
Drawing on the iconic brand’s rich history, the new decanter keeps Hennessy’s classic cognac bottle shape while adding bold architectural lines and an arrow-shaped cap for a modern touch. It’s a fitting collaboration given Libeskind’s approach to design which effortlessly blends past and future.
The Polish-American architect shot to fame in the early 2000s when he designed the Jewish Museum in Berlin. Since then, Libeskind has carved out an impressive career with his angular contemporary buildings that are able to convey complex emotions. Other notable works include the UK’s Imperial War Museum, the master plan for the reconstruction of the World Trade Center in New York and the Frederic C. Hamilton Building at the Denver Art Museum.
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His distinctive architectural style is reflected in his design of the timeless new Richard Hennessy cognac bottle. The stunning decanter is accompanied by a show tray and two delicate Bacarrat crystal tasting glasses, also created by Libeskind. While retaining the original tulip form of glasses used by Hennessy’s master-assemblers over eight generations, the talented architect has added angular design details to perfectly match the decanter.
“There is a complexity, process and structure to cognac, just as there is in architecture,” said Libeskind. “I am inspired by the interplay of history and the future – a particular magic happens when the two come together. And I relish bringing a myriad of ideas from different areas to the design process because I believe it elevates and brings new meaning to design.”
The bottle holds the luxury brand’s rarest cognac, which is named after its founder, Richard Hennessy. Made from some of the most elusive Eaux-de-vie carefully selected from the Maison’s reserves, the liquor is matured for at least 50 years in the historic cellars before just 12 barrels (known as tierçons) are bottled each year. The deep amber liquor expertly balances silky sweet notes of vanilla with honeyed fruit and soft spices for a tipple that is a staple of any cognac connoisseur’s drinks cabinet.
The Daniel Libeskind designed Richard Hennessy bottle will be available for purchase in late November retailing for $7,000.
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