Hennessy X.O x Frank Gehry
In 2020, Hennessy celebrated the 150th Anniversary of Hennessy X.O., the brand’s most recognized expression, which came to life in 1870 at the request of Maurice Hennessy. The inaugural X.O. was created by master blender Emile Filioux, who endeavoured to blend an intense eaux de vie from the cellar’s mature casks. The resulting Cognac was known as Hennessy “Extra Old. Hennessy just collaborated with famous architect Frank Gehry to create a truly special bottle to commemorate its 150th anniversary of Hennessy X.O.
- Limited production version celebrates the 150th anniversary of the brand.
For this special 150th anniversary celebration, Hennessy have teamed up with architect extraordinaire Frank Gehry to elevate the aesthetics of the decanter that defines the XO epoch.
To discover Hennessy X.O is to discover an unexpected sensorial experience and this is truly reflected in Frank Gehry’s latest masterpiece, the world premiere in the spectacular 150th anniversary of the World Odyssey. This is a wonderful moment in history for Hennessy. “During this period of global transformation and solidarity, Hennessy and Frank Gehry shared a vision of a hopeful future as we wanted to amplify Hennessy’s values of joy, optimism and resilience.” – Thomas Bouleuc, CEO Moët Hennessy Diageo Malaysia.
The production version limited to only 150 bottles, each bottle packed at a concentration of 40% ABV, with a volume of 750ml.
- Creative inspiration.
“I wanted to bring Hennessy X.O.” to life, and so I took inspiration from its birthplace and used this crumpling effect of the material that gives it a feeling of movement. The materials I’ve chosen catch the light and make this a really beautiful object on its own, but then you realize it is a bottle of Hennessy X.O,” explains Frank Gehry.
Drawing inspiration from the rich Hennessy X.O blend, and the vital soil, twisting vines, and the glistening Charente River that runs through the Hennessy Maison, Frank Gehry has created a true sensorial masterpiece.
- Exquisite handcrafted design.
The thought-provoking and challenging design was executed with the work of artisans. Just like the master blenders, who pass on their expertise, the artisans perpetuate an art form and the gift of secret craftmanship. Each stage that went into bringing Gehry’s idea to life, required care, attention, high standards and patience.
The iconic Hennessy X.O bottle is enveloped in a crinkled sleeve of 24 carat gold-dipped bronze, evoking the radiant movement of water as it reflects the light. The sculptural decanter is encased by a fractured glass glorifier, which further amplifies the inspiration of water and light. To create swirly swirls of water, the architect had to chisel each detail by hand, creating an emotional image. The master of architecture has scrutinized Hennessy’s 150-year tradition of concoction, customs and handcrafted elements in order to produce a truly sensory masterpiece.
There are only 150 bottles of this iconic masterpiece in the world, imprinted with Gehry’s signature. This not only pays homage to the long history of the Hennessy XO brand and the Charente river, also an homage to a series of corrugated cardboard furniture Frank Gehry designed in the 1970s.
