An invitation to a Hennessy Cognac celebratory event is somewhat of an honour, which is why our Malaysian-based writer Ong Chin Huat didn’t need to be asked twice when he received his. The gathering in Kuala Lumpur was to celebrate Chinese New Year 2023, the year of the Water Rabbit and included more than a few toasts with some very fine cognacs.

There are few better hosts than Hennessy Cognac, and their latest event was to celebrate the incoming new Year of the Water Rabbit, which included plenty of enthusiastic toasting with a glass of Hennessy cognac, be it V.S.O.P, X.O or Paradis.

Held at Yen Chinese Restaurant at the W Hotel Kuala Lumpur, this fun gathering and delicious lunch was hosted by Patrick Madendjian, the Managing Director of Moet Hennessy Singapore & Malaysia, joined by Nausicaa Cahrrier, the Marketing Director of Moet Hennessy Singapore & Malaysia and Julien Pipen Lehalleur, Hennessy’s Global Brand Education and Training Director.

Hennessy Cognac is a bridge connecting like-minded cultural individuals, whether old or young, modern or traditional; this prestigious cognac Maison with a storied past constantly moves forward by celebrating traditions and embracing diversity in all forms.

As part of the Lunar New Year celebrations, Hennessy has commissioned Shanghai-born artist Yan Pei Ming – known for his monumental works of art – to create a Chinese zodiac painting, which is highlighted in Hennessy’s limited edition bottle collection.

The celebrated artist’s impressionistic style with large brush strokes perfectly embodies the essence of inclusivity and can be seen on Hennessy’s V.S.O.P and Paradis bottles. Fusing modern with traditional, this commissioned work of art ties in with the French company’s cognac, which is known for combining the old with the new.

Apart from the Hennessy cognac and cocktail toasting, guests at this special lunch were also treated to a Lo Hei or Prosperity Toss, a popular tradition in Southeast Asia. A unique Lou Hei snack bar consisting of different snacks was offered to the guests, each enhancing the Hennessy cognacs.

Honey Roasted Hazelnuts and Honey Roasted Almonds mixed with dried cranberry, apricots, baby pineapples, and golden raisins brought out the rich tasting notes found in Hennessy Paradis, while the spicy edge from the Wasabi Green Peas and the roasted macadamias and pecans matched with Hennessy X.O while brown sugar from Gula Melaka candied walnuts with curry roasted cashew, and dried strawberries suited Hennessy V.S.O.P.

A bespoke gift specially curated by Hennessy called A New Platter of Togetherness will be available during this festive season. It contains a collection of premium festive snacks and a Hennessy X.O and Hennessy V.S.O.P bottle. It is the ideal gift to bring along when visiting friends and relatives during the Chinese New Year!

For further information, please visit www.hennessy.com.

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