Cover Hennessy’s ‘In Good Company’ dinners offer diners a glimpse into the artisanal heritage of the rare Hennessy Paradis cognac (Photo: Khairul Imran/Tatler Malaysia)

In the first of several intimate dinners showcasing the rare and exceptional Hennessy Paradis cognac, Hennessy Malaysia joins forces with the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre to protect endangered species of trees

It’s not every day that one strikes a balance of good company, exceptional cuisine and a worthy cause. But that’s exactly what took place at a private dinner hosted recently by Hennessy Malaysia at Beta KL: a celebration of life’s rarest treasures, be it good company, timeless traditions or Malaysia's rainforests.

Built upon themes of scarcity, preservation and sustainability, Hennessy’s In Good Company series of exclusive dinners, which will be held from now and all through 2022, offer us a glimpse into the artisanal heritage of the rare Hennessy Paradis cognac, developed and perfected over a 130-year tradition.

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Photo 1 of 3 The rare and exceptional Hennessy Paradis
Photo 2 of 3 Beta KL's mixologist whips up delicious cocktails made with Hennessy X.O
Photo 3 of 3 Moët Hennessy Diageo (MHD) Malaysia and Singapore managing director Thomas Bouleuc

As preservation is key to Hennessy Paradis’ remarkable taste and quality, Hennessy ascribes this same sense of value and deference to Malaysia’s endangered rainforests via its partnership with the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC). Through this collaboration, every bottle of Hennessy Paradis sold will help TRCRC plant one dipterocarp tree, an endangered species which produces seeds once every five to seven years only.

“In Good Company dinners are a great opportunity to combine remarkable and memorable experiences with a deeper connection to what matters,” shared Moët Hennessy Diageo (MHD) Malaysia and Singapore managing director Thomas Bouleuc, at the first dinner at Beta KL, where a closed group of over 20 guests got to enjoy the restaurant’s Malaysia-inspired, ethically sourced menu together with exquisite wine and spirits pairings.

“Hennessy Paradis is named for the Hennessy Founder’s Cellar, where only the finest, rarest and oldest eaux-de-vie are kept,” Bouleuc added. “It is a cognac of remarkable depth and elegance comprising 100 eaux-de-vie aged for up to 130 years. The synergy in scarcity and the broader theme of preservation was what led us to pursue this partnership with TRCRC.”

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Photo 1 of 4 Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre project manager Reuben Durairatnam
Photo 2 of 4 Beta KL's starter of winged beans in Budu aioli, Kulim mushrooms, soy meat masak lemak and an inverted curry puff, paired with a glass of Vintage 2009 Dom Perignon champagne
Photo 3 of 4 Beta KL's mixologist whips up delicious cocktails made with Hennessy X.O
Photo 4 of 4 Smoked duck neck with foie gras and berries, paired with a glass of 2018 Cloudy Bay pinot noir

During dinner, TRCRC's project manager Reuben Durairatnam expressed excitement for the NGO's partnership with Hennessy Malaysia, emphasising how important it was to spread greater awareness about Malaysia’s most threatened tropical rainforest tree species.

To a tantalising spread prepared by Beta KL executive chef Raymond Tham, guests got to savour a slew of unforgettable drinks pairings with various gastronomical creations.

These included a contemporary twist on the local chilli crab favourite: mud crab served with buckwheat noodles and torch ginger flower and paired with a 2017 Ao Yun wine. The main course of Koji Lamb with a roasted garlic puree and dried longan jus also paired beautifully with a glass of Glemorangie Signet whiskey, while the Hennessy Paradis itself stole the show during the dessert course, accompanying a light chocolate mousse served with gula melaka and cherries.

Related: Why Hennessy Cognac Will Always Be Ready For The Future

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Photo 1 of 2 Calligraphy artist JY and Moët Hennessy Malaysia marketing director Aurélie Lim in front of a calligraphy painting crafted by JY during the dinner
Photo 2 of 2 Artist JY holds a glass of Hennessy Paradis

“Tonight is so important for us, as the first In Good Company dinner. We hope you understand now why it’s called In Good Company, because it is only in good company that we have the best experiences,” enthused Moët Hennessy Malaysia marketing director Aurélie Lim, as the guests’ attention was directed to a live art display by famed calligraphy artist JY

JY's masterful calligraphy art piece is the first of five calligraphy works inspired by five influential Tang Dynasty poets, marking the values of friendship, life and legacy that lie at the heart of each In Good Company dinner. 

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Photo 1 of 4 Live music performances complemented the calligraphy showcase
Photo 2 of 4 Emcee Yvonne Lee kept the mood light and fun
Photo 3 of 4 Michele Kwok of the Soul Society Group with a glass of Hennessy Paradis cognac
Photo 4 of 4 Raising a glass of Glemorangie Signet whiskey

The ultimate pampering for cognac connoisseurs and gourmands eager to support a worthy cause, Hennessy's In Good Company dinners are an apt reminder to cherish unforgettable moments, great friends and revered traditions preserved from generations past. Patrons interested to experience these dinners can register for them online and purchase a bottle of Hennessy Paradis to redeem a seat.

For updates and other experiences curated by Hennessy Malaysia, follow its Facebook.

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Credits

Photography  

Khairul Imran

Location  

Beta KL

Topics