Cover Tan Chin Nyap, Jaclene Liew, Samantha Tay, Kee Wei Hui, Tan Szue Hann, and Adrian Ng at the ‘Crafted by Hennessy’ exhibit

Through different touch points across eight rooms, guests were able to learn more about the Hennessy’s cognac-making process, distillation methods and partnerships with global superstars

When it comes to Chinese New Year celebrations, cognac is probably one of the most popular spirits we toast with. It is especially true with Hennessy cognac, which graces many of our reunion dinners throughout the two-week festivity. More than the choicest drink for its smooth and silky flavours, it is also revered for its storied heritage that goes back to Cognac, France in 1765.

With cocktails in hand, Tatler’s special guests were able to step back in time to discover more about Hennessy’s history and craftsmanship when the maison brought its ‘Crafted by Hennessy’ travelling exhibit to Ion Orchard in January. It was first launched at TRX The Exchange in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last October.

The exhibit aimed to recreate the experience of the maison through different touch points, starting with the iconic red doors that opened up to the world of spirits. 

In case you missed it: Master blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde on upholding Hennessy’s legacy while embracing a sustainable future

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Photo 1 of 18 Limited-edition bottles for the Year of the Snake
Photo 2 of 18 Crafted by Hennessy exhibit at Ion Orchard
Photo 3 of 18 Jeffery Sung
Photo 4 of 18 Ong Cheng Kiat, Koh Sin Long
Photo 5 of 18 Curated cocktails for the exhibit
Photo 6 of 18 Hennessy Paradis, VO and VSOP bottles
Photo 7 of 18 Desmond Tan, Jurmeth Tshering
Photo 8 of 18 Samantha Tay, Jaclene Liew
Photo 9 of 18 Specially designed Hennessy bottle
Photo 10 of 18 Kee Wei Hui
Photo 11 of 18 Cocktails to start the Crafted by Hennessy event
Photo 12 of 18 Adrian Ng
Photo 13 of 18 Hazell Ng, Wilbur Lim
Photo 14 of 18 Benjamin Chua, Chloe Huang
Photo 15 of 18 Bryan Lee
Photo 16 of 18 Adrian Ong, Aldrin Tai
Photo 17 of 18 Stanley Tan, Debbie-Brittany Lim
Photo 18 of 18 Bernard Cheong, Adrian Ong, Dolly Cheong

Who better to welcome the guests than an AI version of Richard Hennessy, the founder of the cognac house himself? After a short introduction, they began an immersive journey that took them through the maison’s legacy—from the cognac making processes, its close ties with the Fillioux family (many generations of master blenders have come from this family) to its continued collaboration with global artists. 

A highlight, of course, was its latest limited-edition Chinese New Year release which was done in partnership with fashion designer Shu Ting Qiu. Displayed for everyone to admire, her ethereal bottle designs for Hennessy Paradis, XO and VSOP are decorated with snake motifs, spring accents and a red colour palette to welcome the brand new year.

With a deeper understanding of the maison’s craftsmanship, the guests went home with a newfound appreciation for the cognac they enjoy with family and friends, carrying with them the lingering warmth of exquisite blends and the stories behind each carefully aged bottle.

Credits

Photography: Benny Loh

Topics

Dudi Aureus
Senior dining & travel editor, Tatler Best co-jury chair for Singapore, Tatler Singapore
Tatler Asia

Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.