Hennessy debuts Master Blender’s Selection No. 1

Cognac house Hennessy has unveiled Master Blender’s Selection No. 1, the first in a series of “rare” limited edition expressions.

Master Blender’s Selection No. 1 is a single-batch blend of 80 to 100 eau-de-vie, aged for up to 16 years in French oak barrels

For the introduction of Master Blender’s Selection No. 1, Hennessy wanted to mark its historic ties with the US, which became its first export market more than 200 years ago.

A single-batch blend of 80 to 100 eau-de-vie, Master Blender’s Selection No. 1 is aged for up to 16 years in two- to four-year-old French oak barrels.

Bottled at 43% abv, the limited edition offering is said to offer “a round and rich subtlety” with a bright amber colour and golden sheen.

On the nose and palate, given notes include “lightly grilled, unshelled almonds and candied apricots with a faintly sweet flavour”.

Recommended serves for the new bottling include either neat or with three ice cubes.

Created by Hennessy’s seventh generation master blender Yann Fillioux, the latest blend is “a very personal signature” that was only intended to be produced in a single, limited batch. Each bottle is signed and numbered by Fillioux.

To accompany the launch, Hennessy partnered with New York-based artist CJ Hendry, who created a hand-drawn portrait of the bottle by using dozens of black ink pens.

Once the supply of Master Blender’s Section No. 1 runs out it will not be made available again, but Hennessy has stated on its website that there are plans for “a Selection No. 2 in years to come”.

Hennessy Master Blender’s Selection No. 1 is available exclusively in the US in 375ml at a RRP of US$45 and 750ml at a RRP of US$80.

Last week, LVMH Wines & Spirits achieved 7% organic revenue growth for the first nine months of 2016, bolstered by a strong performance from Hennessy Cognac.