Celebratory Spirit

Jakki Phillips

ymbals crash, drums rumble and overhead the dangling glass pendants of antique chandeliers twinkle softly as the lights are slowly dimmed. Journalists from around the world have been specially flown in on private jets and helicopters to France’s picturesque Cognac region to witness the dramatic unveiling of Hennessy’s 250th anniversary Collector Blend. It’s a sophisticated affair with freshly pressed tuxes, swishing gowns and a soundtrack of pulsing percussion, all staged at Château de Bagnolet, an enchanting country mansion built in 1810 and owned by the Hennessys since 1841. MauriceRichard Hennessy, an eighth-generation member of the famous cognac-producing family and ambassador of the now LVMHowned brand, is one of the proud hosts along with Hennessy president and CEO Bernard Peillon.