Hennessy, the world’s best-selling Cognac, today announced the release of Master Blender’s Selection N°2, the second in a limited series and the last to reflect former Master Blender Yann Fillioux’s extraordinary sensory memory and impeccable knowledge of the Hennessy eaux-de-vie reserve, the largest of its kind in the world. Over his 50+ year tenure, Mr. Fillioux created some of the world’s most exclusive Cognacs and in July 2017, officially passed the torch to his successor, nephew and 8th generation Fillioux: Renaud Fillioux de Gironde.
At Hennessy, the role and responsibilities of Master Blender come with a discreet luxury every artist dreams of: carte blanche to create a purely personal expression of the craft. Like a self-drawn portrait, Master Blender’s Selection N°2 is an intimate expression of creativity and passion. A blend based purely on imagination and innovation, it follows its own rules, traveling an individual timeline from vineyard to bottle.
To commemorate this pure expression of creativity, craftsmanship, savoir faire and passion, Hennessy has aligned with family-run, leather craft brand, Will Leather Goods, to produce a limited run of bespoke Master Blender’s Selection N°2 “Silas” Backpacks. Embossed with the Master Blender’s Selection N°2 emblem to reinforce themes of unparalleled craftsmanship, quality, and family that are at the heart of the collaboration – each handmade bag comes in a rich Cognac leather inspired by the blend’s gold tinged dark amber hue. Starting November 2017, the Master Blender’s Selection N°2 “Silas” Backpack may be purchased online at www.willleathergoods.com; available for a SRP of $450 while supplies last.
Much like Will Leather Goods’ craftsmen, the Hennessy Master Blender enjoys the freedom to create without constraint. By way of palette, he draws on a selection of high-quality eaux-de-vie with great potential, which have been set aside in the cellar specifically for exclusive creations. Master Blender’s Selection No. 2 comprises only a small fraction of the Hennessy reserve.
Innovative and unique by virtue of its hand-curated selection process, Master Blender’s Selection N°2 is composed of eaux-de-vie that are at least 10 years old. Each is aged for 18 months in young coarse-grained French oak barrels before additional aging in old barrels. Thanks to initial contact with young wood, the eaux-de-vie acquire unique flavors that come together over time in a harmonious, balanced blend of elegance and power.
Every blend within the Master Blender’s Selection series possesses a distinct personality: N°2 is bottled at 43%, also known as “cask strength.” This process gives it a distinct hue and aromatic tones defined by roundness with a hint of boldness.
Unlike most Hennessy Cognacs, this limited edition release is a genuine single batch: blended only once, never to be replicated again. As befits a craft Cognac, Master Blender’s Selection N°2 will be available exclusively in the U.S. in October 2017 at select fine retailers for a SRP of $92 (750ml)
Source: Hennessy