Cover Hennessy Paradis, drawn only from the most premium eaux-de-vie in the Maison’s dedicated Paradis cellar, was the center of the Eastern & Oriental Express journey (Photo: Shayne Laverdière)
Hennessy Paradis, drawn only from the most premium eaux-de-vie in the Maison’s dedicated Paradis cellar, was the center of the Eastern & Oriental Express journey (Photo: Shayne Laverdière)
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Hennessy Le Voyage was a three-day sojourn by rail that involved all the senses, from music and gastronomy to lush surroundings
A crimson box contained just a handwritten invitation and a music box playing Clair de lune, but it was all we needed to embark on a three-day journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express with Hennessy, one that was nothing if not full of surprises. This is not unlike the delicately spiced Hennessy Paradis, drawn only from the most premium eaux-de-vie in the Maison’s dedicated Paradis cellar, a journey that unfolds from opening the bottle to the very first sip, echoing the voyage by rail that took us into the world of the Maison.
Boarding the Eastern & Oriental Express was a step out of the 21st century. Sumptuous surroundings were framed within the curtained windows of the train as we dined on dishes curated specially by acclaimed chef Andre Chiang, inspired by the spice trade, to pair with Hennessy Paradis.
Above Eastern & Oriental Express
Above Hennessy Paradis
Eastern & Oriental Express
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But Chiang wasn’t the only acclaimed talent on board. Unbeknownst to us, pianist Lang Lang was waiting in one of the carriages, marking his reveal with a flawless rendition of Clair de lune against the dramatic backdrop of Taman Negara, a realisation of the first music box clue that accompanied our invitation.
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Above Lang Lang
Lang Lang
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His performance was not just a moving moment. Captured digitally, the song was immortalised on the gold etching of the Hennessy Paradis decanter, of which only 100 editions exist worldwide.
Above Dishes on the train were paired with Hennessy Paradis
Dishes on the train were paired with Hennessy Paradis
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Music formed the fabric of the Hennessy voyage; one section of the train was draped in deep red, transformed into a listening room, where a bespoke soundscape accompanied the changing scenery. The interplay of sound, place, and gastronomy proved an invitation to discover not just Hennessy Paradis but the journey through Malaysia itself.
See also: Here’s how to eat your way through Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur
Above Eastern & Oriental Express
Above Andre Chiang
Eastern & Oriental Express
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Credits
Photography: Shayne Laverdière
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About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
