Hennessy X.O Launches “The Originals”

By Michael Tulipan

This month, Hennessy introduced “The Originals,” a new initiative highlighting the creativity and ingenuity of true original companies who have shaped the trajectory of luxury goods.

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Maurice Hennessy Giving a Welcome Speech: Hennessy Global Brand Ambassador and 8th generation family member Maurice Hennessy discusses the original “Extra Old” Cognac during a private Hennessy X.O dinner on Oct. 3, 2016 at Neuehouse Hollywood in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision for Hennessy X.O Originals/AP Images)

As the world’s leading Cognac producer built on an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, Hennessy was the originator of the “Extra Old” (X.O) category and remains its benchmark.

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Maurice Hennessy + Gerry Spahn (Rolls Royce): Hennessy Global Brand Ambassador and 8th generation family member, Maurice Hennessy left, and Rolls-Royce Head of Communications, Gerry Spahn, celebrate luxury originals at Hennessy X.O dinner on Oct. 5, 2016 at The Baccarat Hotel in New York City. The private dinner featured casual conversation that shed light on both pioneering brands and how they’ve helped shape the trajectory of luxury goods. (Photo by Donald Traill/Invision for Hennessy X.O Originals/AP Images)

In collaboration with like-minded partners across the auto and fashion industries, including Rolls-Royce (the original luxury automobile brand) and The Stronghold (the original L.A denim brand), Hennessy invited VIP guests to two private dinner events to showcase how creativity and heritage help original, luxury brands remain relevant to today’s consumers.

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Michael Paradise + Maurice Hennessy + Jordan Bushell + Gerry Spahn Group Shot: From left, owner of The Stronghold, Michael Paradise, Global Brand Ambassador and 8th generation family member Maurice Hennessy, Hennessy Head of Mixology and Brand Education, Jordan Bushell, and Rolls-Royce Head of Communications, Gerry Spahn, celebrate luxury originals at Hennessy X.O dinner on Oct. 3, 2016 at Neuehouse Hollywood in Los Angeles. The private dinner featured casual conversation that shed light on each pioneering brand and how they’ve helped shape the trajectory of luxury goods. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision for Hennessy X.O Originals/AP Images)

Guests who attended the first event, hosted in Los Angeles at the NeueHouse in Hollywood, took advantage of the dazzling weather and expansive skyline views to enjoy Hennessy X.O drinks on the outdoor deck, followed by dinner. In New York, the Baccarat Hotel provided a fitting background for a luxurious dinner celebrating Hennessy X.O and Rolls-Royce.

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Maurice Hennessy: Hennessy Global Brand Ambassador and 8th generation family member Maurice Hennessy poses in front of 1929 Rolls-Royce Ascot at Hennessy X.O dinner on Oct. 5, 2016 at The Baccarat Hotel in New York City. The private dinner featured casual conversation that shed light on pioneering brands’ Hennessy Cognac and Rolls-Royce and how they’ve helped shape the trajectory of luxury goods. (Photo by Donald Traill/Invision for Hennessy X.O Originals/AP Images)

A meticulously maintained 1929 Rolls Royce Ascot parked outside the hotel greeted guests as they stepped inside to enjoy a Sazerac or X.O on the rocks before a three-course meal where Gerry Spahn, Rolls-Royce’s Head of Corporate Communications for North America, highlighted the quality and uniqueness of Rolls-Royce automobiles before summing up the idea behind “The Originals” – “True luxury is experiencing what you want, the way you want, when you want it.”

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Jordan Bushell + Maurice Hennessy + Giles Woodyer: Hennessy Head of Mixology and Brand Education, Jordan Bushell left, Global Brand Ambassador and 8th generation family member, Maurice Hennessy and SVP Hennessy U.S., Giles Woodyer celebrate luxury originals at Hennessy X.O dinner on Oct. 5, 2016 at The Baccarat Hotel in New York City. The private dinner featured casual conversation that shed light on pioneering brands’ Hennessy Cognac and Rolls-Royce and how they’ve helped shape the trajectory of luxury goods. (Photo by Donald Traill/Invision for Hennessy X.O Originals/AP Images)

At both events, Hennessy’s Head of Mixology and Brand Education Jordan Bushell served as the master of ceremonies and discussed the idea of luxury before introducing eighth-generation Hennessy family member Maurice-Richard Hennessy who spoke of the creation of Hennessy X.O, which was first crafted for friends and family members by his great-great grandfather, before being brought to market as the original aged Cognac. The X.O, he pointed out, “was the origin of Hennessy as a luxury good.” Fast forward 151 years to 2016, it is no surprise that Hennessy and X.O in particular continues to be the luxury Cognac standard all others are measured by.

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Hennessy X.O with LA in the background: A bottle of Hennessy “Extra Old” Cognac is pictured against the LA skyline during a private Hennessy X.O dinner on Oct. 3, 2016 at Neuehouse Hollywood in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision for Hennessy X.O Originals/AP Images)

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