It's that time of the year again as families gather for Lunar New Year reunion dinners. Hence, impress the folks with your impeccable spirit preference through Hennessy X.O and Hennessy V.S.O.P to complement the meal. Brownie points earned for preparing the auspicious toast, right? This year, Maison Hennessy collaborates with internationally renowned Chinese artist Zhang Enli to produce original artwork for the former's gift editions. His works have been featured in numerous major exhibitions, most recently with "A Room That Can Move” at the Power Station of Art in Shanghai (2020).
Creating Poetry and Wine Welcome the Tiger
Zhang expresses the regal nature of Hennessy by blending classical Chinese brush painting techniques with a contemporary vision. Of course, as we're ushering in the year of the Tiger, the feline's presence is prominent in the artwork. Coming after a time of challenge and loss, the Tiger represents hope and indicates both renewed energy and vitality. Thus, Zhang draws strength from nature to create Poetry and Wine Welcome the Tiger for Hennessy.
Instead of an obvious figurative representation, the contemporary artist illustrates the majestic animal—an ancestral symbol of power, success, and confidence—in abstract using dynamic lines and vibrant colours. The artwork also pays tribute to the peaceful beauty of the Charente River in Cognac, with Zhang using it as a metaphor for transformation and the passage of time. This stems from Zhang's visit to Hennessy’s historic origins in Cognac, which he afterwards transposed impressions into a fluid, dream-like composition depicting sprays of water droplets surging up and reconverging into a tiger prowling in the night. A yellow and gold palette channels empowerment and refinement, with crystalline amber tones recalling the depth of Hennessy’s blends. Touches of red call to mind the festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year, while on the tiger’s forehead appears a pictograph reminiscent of the Chinese character '王', symbolizing 'emperor' or 'sovereign'.
“While this painting may be different from traditional tiger-themed paintings, my hope is that people will intuitively recall the animal’s beauty and vitality. ‘Poetry and Wine Welcome the Tiger’ is about spirit and sense over appearances; about the force of transformation, even in the tiniest details,” Zhang describes the artwork.
Hennessy's celebrated cognac is also often enjoyed on the rocks. But you can elevate and serve it with a twist as a cocktail too. Preparation difficulty: Easy. All you've got to do is to follow the recipes below.
The Classium 'Rose & Lychee' Cocktail
Directly in a glass:
◆ 40ml Classium Hennessy
◆ 120ml Rose & Lychee Black Tea Nongfu Spring
Garnish: 1 Rose petal
Glassware: Tumbler
The Classium 'Jasmine & Grapefruit' Cocktail
Directly in a glass:
◆ 40ml Hennessy VSOP
◆ 100ml Jasmine & Grapefruit Tea Nongfu Spring
Garnish: 1 Grapefruit wedge
Glassware: Tumbler
The Hennessy 'Goji & Lychee' Cocktail
Directly in a glass:
◆ 30ml Hennessy VSOP
◆ 30ml Goji Liquor
◆ 90ml Lychee drink PSP
◆ 5 ml Lemon Juice
Garnish: Dried Goji berries & nasturtium or chrysanthemum or flower
Glassware: Tumbler
The Hennessy 'Guava & Cardamom' Cocktail
Directly in a glass:
◆ 50ml Hennessy VSOP
◆ 90ml Guava juice drink PSP
◆ 4 dashes Cardamom Bob’s bitter
Garnish: Black Cardamom
Glassware: Tumbler
The special editions of Hennessy X.O (SGD398) and Hennessy V.S.O.P (SGD12) are respectively available on Moët Hennessy LazMall as well as other specialist stores.
