Hennessy has a tonne of exciting offerings planned in conjunction with Chinese New Year in 2023, from festive bottles to special events.
The festivities surrounding Lunar New Year celebrations have always been about bringing different generations together. It’s a time when both the young and the old gather for joyous moments together. All in the spirit of inclusivity — a belief that Hennessy has instilled and practiced throughout its illustrious history of over 250 years. To celebrate the Year of The Rabbit in 2023 and to promote the power of diversity, Hennessy has planned a multitude of felicitous curations just for you.
The French cognac producer, together with Moët Diageo Hennessy Malaysia, aims to help you elevate your Lunar New Year celebrations in 2023. They include special events such as a collaboration with Chinese artist Yan Pei Ming on limited edition festive bottles, exciting pop-up booths throughout Malaysia in January, and teaming up with various restaurants across the country with creative canapés inspired by the 12 zodiac signs. Let the fun times begin!
In line with Hennessy’s values of being all-embracing and united, the iconic Maison has partnered up with France-based Chinese painter Yan Pei Ming for something truly extraordinary. The creative, known for his larger than life brush strokes, lends his golden expressionistic touches to three signature Hennessy bottles — V.S.O.P, X.O, and Paradis. Each bottle highlights the prosperous and auspicious qualities of Lunar New Year; strikingly red and gold with the adventurous rabbit clearly displayed.
The collaboration doesn’t stop there. Like the curious trait of the wandering rabbit, the project extends into a full scale 6 x 3.5 metres painting titled La Grande Course. However, instead of just featuring one singular animal, Yan Pei Ming showcased all 12 Chinese zodiac animals instead; a continuous pursuit of Hennessy’s focus on interconnectedness and the sharing of cultures.
This is an episode of many firsts. It’s Maison Hennessy’s inaugural partnership with the Expressionist artist. Another can be seen through the colours used in the painting. Taking inspiration from the rabbit, Yan Pei Ming hops onto the art piece with a whole new palette that the remarkable personality has never used. The selection of burgundy, russet, orange, and amber tones does not come without meaning either; with Hennessy X.O’s mahogany hues provide the “a-ha” moment. Put all that together, with Yan’s magical sweeps — and voila, a masterpiece is born.
La Grande Course is an important symbol of Hennessy’s emphasis on fusing modern and old traditions. Ultimately, it all traces back to how we can all become one despite the differences. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why the painting is so monumental. To keep the essence and spirit of Lunar New Year going, Hennessy is upping the ante with various upcoming celebratory occasions.
The 12 Chinese zodiac animals are massive components of the Lunar calendar and also the inspiration behind Chinese New Year canapés that Hennessy have curated in collaboration with a few restaurants across Malaysia. They include Shang Palace in Shangri-La Hotel KL, Yen in W Kuala Lumpur, WIP On The Park, One Seafood, and Mezza 9; as well as selected hotspots in Penang, Johor, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. Here’s something you definitely don’t want to miss, especially for food enthusiasts.
Speaking of food enthusiasts, treat yourself to one-of-a-kind Hennessy V.S.O.P cocktails and an exclusive Omakase experience by Jing Ze Contemporary Restaurant paired with Hennessy X.O during Lunar Wonderland. The two-day event — taking place on 3 and 4 February 2023 at Menara Ken — is another exciting way that Hennessy is elevating the celebrations this year.
The Maison invites guests to embark on a journey of old-meets-new with curated activations, namely God of Prosperity, Lucky Wheel, Seal the Victory, Pond of Fortune, Golden Chance Toss, and Strike A Gold. While you’re there, make sure to spot the Hennessy Lunar Carousel as well as the special edition Chinese New Year bottles of the Hennessy V.S.O.P, Hennessy X.O, and Hennessy Paradis.
Even better, Hennessy is giving away tickets to its Lunar Wonderland Festival. Well, 20 pairs to be exact! To participate, all you have to do is post a photo on Instagram and tag @hennessy. Remember to also include the following hashtags: #HennessyMY, #CelebrateWithHennessy, #HennessyCNY2023, and #TogetherWeGoFurther. If you’re the lucky winner, do take note that you will have to provide information such as full name, contact number, and email address for yourself and your plus one.
Aficionados and anyone curious for more would be happy to know that Hennessy will be popping up at selected cities across West Malaysia, featuring lots of highly anticipated activities and performances. After appearing in Paradigm Mall, Johor Bahru from 4 to 8 January 2023, Hennessy will proceed to Gurney Paragon Mall in Penang from 11 to 15 January 2023. Those in the capital city will be able to visit the pop-up booth from 18 January to 5 February in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Are you looking forward to have some auspicious fun with loved ones?
With so many things to do this Chinese New Year, it’s no surprise that you’ll be spoilt for choice. However, if a celebration that’s extraordinarily different yet comfortably familiar, Hennessy has got you and your loved ones covered. From unique Yan Pei Ming-designed Hennessy bottles to stimulating experiences, there are just so many different ways to embrace a more elevated celebration this year — in line with Hennessy’s essential message of #TogetherWeGoFurther.
Learn more about Hennessy’s 2023 Lunar New Year offerings HERE.
(All photos by Hennessy)