Crystal clear: Hennessy Cognac

Artist Jean-Michel Othoniel has continued his working relationship with Hennessy to celebrate the Cognac brand’s latest X.O releases.

“I started working with Moët Hennessy 17 years ago,” says French artist Jean‐Michel Othoniel. “I’ve had the opportunity to create some amazing pieces for the brand.”

Known for his sculptures and hand‐blown glass artworks, Othoniel and Hennessy Cognac have combined fine art and luxury spirits for their latest collaboration: Hennessy X.O Masterpiece and Hennessy X.O Limited Edition.

The journey started more than two years ago. In a quiet room in his art studio, Othoniel took paintbrush to paper, working with watercolours, and allowing his creativity to flow. He credits the “incredible team” at Hennessy for helping him to bring his vision to life. “It was a real collaboration,” he notes, “and they helped me find the right artisans to create these beautiful artworks.”

The Hennessy X.O Masterpiece blends tradition and innovation, deeply infused with Othoniel’s signature artistic style. He plays with light and colour, and precious crystals, which dance across the liquid and highlight the complex colour palette of the Cognac within. Encased in hand‐carved oak wood, reminiscent of Hennessy’s barrels, the crystal Baccarat decanter was also cut by hand, achieving a similar texture to the wood. Created in the same manner, colourful crystals adorn the outside of the wood, and the decanter’s stopper.

“We chose these colours because they are beautiful but subtle,” Othoniel explains. “Each one represents flavour notes of the Cognac itself. The top of the bottle is finished with a red crystal to reflect the spicy notes. Visually, it is art; but it is also a sensory experience – smell, taste, touch, there’s a sensuality there.”

X.O Masterpiece went on to inspire the X.O Limited Edition design. The presentation is as though a ruby‐red gem is encased in the golden metal structure. It boasts an opening feature that allows the bottle to be replaced or refilled, in keeping with Hennessy’s sustainable commitments.

“The neck of the bottle also has this delicate gold detail; it’s a technique used in perfume bottles,” Othoniel says. “What I really love most is this medal on the neck. There is no label on the bottle; it’s totally pure. The only place we have the brand name and my name is on this small medal, to allow all the space for the beauty of the bottle.”

Initially launched in Asia, both X.O Masterpiece and X.O Limited Edition were rolled out globally by the end of September. Hennessy X.O Limited Edition has been priced at RRP €257 (US$286/£200), while the more exclusive Hennessy X.O Masterpiece costs €35,000 (US$38,950/£30,000). In the UK, both products will be available exclusively from the Hennessy Boutique at Harrods in London.

“This is a gift to the people,” Othoniel adds. “LVMH is known for creating beauty, and art, and it is clearly passionate about that. With X.O Masterpiece and the Limited Edition, we want to connect the energies of Cognac and art. We want to bring people into our world – and without Hennessy, that wouldn’t be possible.”