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Crystal Visions

The Exclusive Hennessy Paradis Imperial Decanter by Arik Levy ​

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At Maison Hennessy, the Art of Selection is not just the secret behind Hennessy Paradis Imperial — its jewel-in-the-crown blend —it echoes in collaborations with internationally acclaimed artists and designers. In the cut crystal decanter designed by Arik Levy specially for Hennessy Paradis Imperial, precision meets contemporary design genius.
Known for its rare blend of unprecedented attributes, Hennessy Paradis Imperial has a light color that attests to the alliance of age and finesse. It is the apogee of a highly meticulous, constant quest. ​

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Building on techniques honed continuously by the Fillioux family of Master Blenders for more than 200 years, Hennessy’s 8th-generation Master Blender, Renaud Fillioux de Gironde, today leads the Tasting Committee in discerning which eaux-de-vie might one day become a part of the House’s rarest blend.

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Only 10 out of 10,000 eaux-de-vie from any given harvest have that potential. To confirm their promise, these eaux-de-vie must first mature slowly in aged oak barrels that allow them to preserve all their finesse. With time-honored savoir-faire, the Tasting Committee detects the slightest inflection until the precise moment the elixirs have attained peak elegance. ​ ​

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This delicate, fleeting and decisive process inspired a unique, multifaceted decanter designed by Arik Levy for Hennessy Paradis Impérial, featuring four layers of hand-painted precious metal applied to flawless crystal, 23 exact-cut facets, and 16 hand-cut curves on the stopper. ​

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Crafted in collaboration with master crystal cutters, this striking piece displays a captivating interplay of curves, inflections and contours. Hand-carved, polished and crafted elements nod discreetly to the oak wood barrels in Hennessy’s Founder’s Cellar and the copper alembics used to distill eaux-de-vie. Depending on one’s vantage point, the decanter seems to magically shift in the light, as does the pale amber elixir within. ​
As a finishing touch, this exceptional decanter is encased in a coffret lined with 18 mirrors that create infinite reflections of a Hennessy masterpiece.

Hennessy Paradis Imperial

Hennessy Paradis Imperial Cognac is the jewel of the Hennessy collection. An unprecedented alliance of age and finesse, it embodies the apogee of the art of selection and the relentless quest for finesse throughout eight generations of Master Blenders from the Fillioux family.

From any given harvest, the average number of eaux-de-vie with the potential to one day join this blend are rather rare: only 10 out of 10 000. Identifying and nurturing such finesse requires ultimate expertise and talent.

The Master Blender's savoir-faire is also to define the right ageing conditions to raise a fine eau-de-vie to its point of elegance, i.e. the decisive and fleeting moment when it reaches its apogee, ready to join the blend.

Hennessy Paradis Imperial is characterized by its unique character, combining unexpected contrasts and an elegant grace. Its golden hue is surprisingly lighter than that of other old cognacs. This is due to the use of mature oak casks, which have few tannins, to preserve finesse. Likewise, despite the age of its eaux-de-vie, Hennessy Paradis Imperial features a light structure and an absolutely delicate yet persistent finish thanks to its floral notes that are as pure and crisp as a spring day, edged with a smoky, spicy accent. 

 

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