-- The world-renowned architect pays homage to the odyssey of the 'Extra Old'
   cognac with a 150th Anniversary Masterpiece

Hennessy is pleased to unveil a masterpiece decanter designed by world-renowned 
architect Frank Gehry in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Hennessy X.O.  
Using his signature sculptural style to reinterpret Hennessy X.O's iconic 
bottle, the prolific creator marries gold and glass to extol the rich legacy of 
the Hennessy Maison. The end result ushers in a fitting new era for the Extra 
Old Cognac with a striking design that encapsulates Frank Gehry's trademark 
unconventional aesthetic with Hennessy's daring sensibilities.

Video - 
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1281116/Frank_Ghery_XO_Collaboration.mp4 
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1281119/Hennessy_XO.jpg 
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1281120/Hennesy_Logo.jpg 

To discover Hennessy X.O is to discover an unexpected sensorial experience. 
This ethos is exemplified with an exclusive, limited run of 150 extraordinary 
numbered decanters, imprinted with Frank Gehry's signature. A wider release of 
limited-edition Hennessy X.O bottles also created by Frank Gehry, will launch 
in markets worldwide to further celebrate this exceptional collaboration.

150 years after its creation, at the 2020 harvest season, Hennessy X.O 
commissioned a remarkable World Odyssey, unveiling Frank Gehry's creation to 
the world on September 25th on the same day as the epic, ephemeral daytime 
firework event by artist Cai Guo-Qiang over Cognac's Charente River. The 
centerpiece of Hennessy X.O's 150th anniversary World Odyssey program - the 
event was shared globally via livestream-a first for both Cai Guo-Qiang and the 
Maison. During this time of global transformation and togetherness, these two 
friends and creative masterminds express their dual vision for a hopeful future 
as they respond to and amplify Hennessy Maison's universal values of joy, 
optimism, and resilience.

Speaking on the collaboration Frank Gehry said, "It was an honor to be asked to 
celebrate this milestone for Hennessy X.O. While I was excited, it was also 
daunting because a bottle of cognac is already a work of art-one you can smell, 
taste, and feel-it doesn't need embellishment as it's already there. We are 
showing how we can be creative within that language. There's such a powerful 
history and a serious emotional commitment from the people that make this 
product. It has a resonance that's interesting to tie into and become a part 
of."

To learn more and view a film on the 150th Anniversary Masterpiece by Frank 
Gehry, visit: 
https://www.hennessy.com/en-int/collaborations/hennessy-xo-x-frank-gehry 

To view Cai Guo-Qiang's firework celebration of Hennessy's 'A World Odyssey' 
and learn more, visit: 
https://www.Hennessy.com/en-int/stories/cai-guo-qiang-live-event

A SHIMMERING BEACON OF MASTER CRAFTSMANSHIP

Frank Gehry's boundless designs (including The Guggenheim Bilbao, Walt Disney 
Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and The Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris to name a 
few) never stop pushing the theme of movement-the ground bends, walls lean, 
lines defy gravity, and the impossible is not only imagined but executed with 
pure emotion and visual poetry.

Frank Gehry has created the Hennessy X.O masterpiece with the same philosophy, 
passion, and curiosity as he does when designing his architectural 
masterpieces. Just as he always respects the surrounding environment of his 
work, Frank Gehry deeply considered the rich customs, composition, and art of 
distillation of the storied Hennessy X.O Cognac, as well as taking into account 
the savoir faire heritage of the Hennessy Maison. 

AN EVOCATIVE APPROACH

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. 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. 

"I wanted to bring it 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," Gehry adds. "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."

The thought-provoking and challenging design was executed with the work of 
artisans who created the second skin of Hennessy X.O. 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. 

A UNIQUE AND UNPREDICTABLE TOUCH

To further the experience of the decanter, Frank Gehry has created a luminous 
and beautifully understated fusil made of brass and gold. The device keenly 
reflects the Hennessy cellar master's ritual to extract the extra old cognac. 
Further keeping with the element of surprise and contrast, the decanter, 
glorifier and fusil are packaged in a protective case that is in itself a 
design object, imprinted with Frank Gehry's signature and made of compressed 
cardboard-an homage to a series of corrugated cardboard furniture Frank Gehry 
designed in the 1970s. 

ABOUT THE 150th ANNIVERSARY OF HENNESSY X.O 

In 1870, Maurice Hennessy, a 4th-generation member of the Hennessy family, 
asked the Cellar Master Emile Fillioux to create a special cognac for his 
family and friends, using long-aged eaux-de-vie to perfect the blend. They 
called it "X.O" for "Extra Old". Hennessy X.O became the first House blend to 
attain international renown, to the point that the X.O classification became a 
gauge of uncompromising quality. 

In 1947, Gerald de Geoffre - Maurice Hennessy's great-grandson - created its 
iconic carafe, a shape inspired by an upturned cluster of grapes. Today, 
Hennessy X.O remains as true as it was when Maurice Hennessy first shared it 
with his inner circle. A timeless symbol with a powerful and balanced 
structure, it carries the promise of an extremely long finish: each drop an 
invitation to embark on an odyssey of the senses through seven tasting notes.

In 2020, Hennessy X.O celebrates its 150th birthday by honoring its history 
while looking to the future. To mark the occasion during these unprecedented 
times of renewal, Hennessy Maison will continue the World Odyssey in a 
remarkable way, by supporting the global community through charity initiatives. 
The odyssey continues with a shared vision of community and connection as we 
move forward together with perseverance and promise.

ABOUT HENNESSY 

The leader in Cognac, the Maison Hennessy has shone around the world with its 
exceptional blends for more than 250 years. Built on founder Richard Hennessy's 
spirit of conquest, the brand is present in more than 160 countries. 

Based in the heart of the Charente region, Hennessy is also a steadfast pillar 
of the regional economy, the standard-bearer for a sector rich in expertise. 
The House's success and longevity are rooted in the excellence of its cognacs, 
each of which is born of a unique process of transmission from generation to 
generation. 

The first spirits house to be certified ISO 14001, Hennessy unites its capacity 
for innovation and the support of all of its partners to protect this 
exceptional area. 

As the crown jewel of the LVMH Group, Hennessy is a major contributor to French 
international trade, with 99% of production sold in export, and a worldwide 
ambassador for the French art de vivre. 

Hennessy is imported and distributed in the U.S. by Moet Hennessy USA. Hennessy 
offers a full range: Hennessy V.S, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilege, Hennessy Black, 
Hennessy X.O, Hennessy Prive, Hennessy Paradis, Hennessy Paradis Imperial and 
Richard Hennessy. 

Imported Cognac Hennessy(R) 40% Alc./Vol. (80 proof), (C)2020 Imported by Moet 
Hennessy USA, Inc., New York, NY 

[1] The materials available in each country may vary due to local regulation on 
alcohol advertising 

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY - NOT INTENDED FOR USE IN FRANCE 

Contact: Will Davis, will.davis@6degrees.group, +1 212-463-7245

SOURCE: Hennessy