Shared Devotion to Creative Transformation

In July, Hennessy unveiled the new Hennessy V.S Limited Edtion bottle, created by internationally renowned contemporary artist Ryan McGinness. The 5th in a series of collaborations with some of the world’s most acclaimed artists over the past 5 years. Each individually numbered bottle features a distinctive and colorful interpretation of the Hennessy V.Sbased on McGinness’ “black holes” collection of paintings. With colors that glow under black-light on a silver background, the label also depicts his signature icons, symbolizing the craftsmanship of Hennessy Cognac.

On August 6th, Hennessy celebrated the launch of this historic partnership with a event titled #ArtoftheChase in New York City. Guests entered through an interactive tunnel of digital McGinness artwork, and were greeted with Hennessy cocktails, including the “Infinity”, a recipe that the artist himself helped create. He was on hand to join the celebration and greet the crowd of VIPs, who filled the dance floor for a special performance by rapper 2 Chainz.

In the weeks that followed, McGinness traveled the country with Hennessy, hosting special events and bottle-signings in LA, Miami, and Philadelphia. In all, the festivities surrounding the launch of Hennessy V.S Limited Edition by Ryan McGinness, provided a fitting tribute to the stunning bottle design, and the collaboration between kindred spirits — both McGinness and Hennessy share an enduring drive to Never stop. Never settle.

Based in New York City, McGinness works in multiple mediums, including drawings, paintings, sculptures, prints, books, products, and installations. Known for using the visual language of public signage and contemporary symbology, he is credited with elevating the status of the icon to fine art. His works have been exhibited in museums around the world, including MOMA NYC, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, MUSAC Spain, and the Misumi Collection, Japan.

The collaboration is a perfect embodiment of Hennessy’s 250 years of dedication to the Art of Blending. McGinness himself acknowledges the strong parallels between his artistic process and the creation of Hennessy Cognacs: “My language of Elements, Compounds and Mixtures can easily be applied to the world of Hennessy, with grapes, eaux-de-vie, and blends. Both of our trades involve this creative transformation process…” The collaboration also expresses the shared values associated with the process — to select original ingredients with care, and to mix them together in a singular and elegant way. Limited edition bottles are $32, while commemorative gift boxes are also available for $150.