16/03/16

Hennessy 8 design by Arik Levy and Baccarat

Branding

Spinach Branding has a long history of working with the drinks industry. Enotria&Coe, Campari, Corney & Barrow, Sacred, Martin Miller’s Gin, La Lauzeta… these are just some of the names we’ve partnered with, helping identify strong and unique brand identities, and we’re always on the watch for innovative approaches to design when it comes to drinks.

A recent collaboration really caught our eyes. The Hennessy 8 limited-edition bottle and case was designed by Paris-based multi-disciplinary artist Arik Levy in collaboration with crystal specialist Baccarat – the design evokes the spirit of the cognac maker and nods to the marque’s future.

Hennessy is steeped in rich history. Together with the Fillioux clans, they have, for more than 200 years, created some of the finest cognacs in the world. The former founded the maison in 1765, whilst the latter has been its master blenders since the early 1800s. Yann Fillioux is the seventh generation master blender who after 50 years in the business has handed the keys to the cellar to his nephew Renaud. Hennessy 8 is a commemorative blend to mark this momentous occasion.

‘Creation is an uncontrolled muscle,’ says Levy. ‘The world is about people, not objects,’ advocates the artist, technician, photographer, designer, video artist. Here Levy’s brief was to envisage the Hennessey of 200 years from now.

The result is a striking examples of bottle design, superbly executed and an expression of the brand going forward. All the materials used here are in some way connected with the making of the spirit inside. It features eight crystal rings that loop around the bottle, which are then wrapped in a wooden case made with the oak of Hennessy cooperage, where barrels are carved by hand, replete with a copper inlay referencing the metal tools used in the distilling process.

The artist, cognac expert, and crystal specialist worked closely together to design and develop the 60kg carafe, 250 bottles of which will be made only, each priced at €35,000.

Image © Hennessy

Spinach Branding is a specialist branding agency based in London. We work with established businesses and start-ups around the world to build and refine their brands. See how we work and get in touch to discuss your brand.