An Imperial Evening With Hennessy

Hennessy invited guests to embark on a trip back in time to 1818 to celebrate the year that the Hennessy Paradis Imperial was created during a four-day series of events in Macau.

The Hennessy Paradis Imperial, a world-renowned and highly esteemed cognac, was originally created in 1818 for Tsar Alexander I, as requested by the Russian Dowager Empress. Jean Fillioux created this especially for the Tsar, and later his descendant, Yann Fillioux re-created it in 2010. The Paradis Imperial, launching this year, has been resdesigned especially to celebrate the years of its conception. Stéphanie Balini created the decanter, complete with a crystal cabochon stopper and an 18-carat gold plated label, the decanters are especially unique. Each decanter is also individually numbered.

Drawing inspiration from the times of Imperial Russia, Hennessy threw an elaborate series of events that culminated with a cocktail and dinner called “Majestic Journey of Time”.

When guests gathered at the Sheraton Macao Tiki Pool, 19 church bells signfied the beginning of the unveiling ceremony. A white platform separated to reveal an egg, inspired by the Faberge eggs designed for the Imperial family, but a contemporary version. The egg opened, and concealed a tower of Hennessy Paradis Imperial. Guests were then led through a tunnel to the dining area, where a framed sillhouette of the Paradis Imperial bottle was constructed in the middle of the space, where later an aerial ballet artist performed feats to entertain guests.

The menu contained delicacies inspired from the times of Imperial Russia. Renaud de Gironde, Hennessy Brand Ambassador and member of the Hennessy Tasting Committee led a toast at the beginning of the dinner and said a few words about the cognac. Guests enjoyed an after-party by the poolside, which involved a cigar, chocolate and cigar pairing – a sweet ending to a lavish evening.