Spirit Forward is a series documenting the latest releases in the world of drinks. In this edition, we check out the latest offerings from Hennessy and The Glenlivet.
Hennessy x NBA 2024
When Snoop Dogg rapped “pour a tall glass of Hennessy Hennessy”, he probably never imagined that the famed cognac house would one day collaborate with the National Basketball Association (NBA)—also his favourite sport. Collaborate they did, and for several years at that. This year, the collaboration returns once again, themed “Without Your Spirit, It’s Only A Game”.
To celebrate this, Hennessy created a pop-up space in The Exchange, TRX back in May 2024 where the public could participate in engaging activities, sample Hennessy-based cocktails, win exciting prizes, and shop for exclusive merchandise.
Part of the merchandise is also the Hennessy x NBA 2024 Limited-Edition Series, and this year they have chosen to go with the colour red. The gift box features a textured surface reminiscent of basketball leather and has lines inspired by the hardwood floor on the court. The Hennessy V.S.O.P bottle is also dressed in red, and the liquid within is the same exquisite cognac that the brand is known for. The bottle will be launched in stores from July 2024 onwards.
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old 200 Year Anniversary Edition
It’s amazing how quickly two centuries pass by, and The Glenlivet has decided to commemorate the celebration by releasing a 12 Year Old 200 Year Anniversary Edition expression; the first of several limited edition bottles that will be released throughout 2024. Loyal fans of The Glenlivet will already be familiar with the brand’s classic 12 Year Old blend—the 200 Year Anniversary Edition version offers a different iteration: matured in 100% first-fill American Oak casks, 43% ABV, and has a palate of sweet, fruity notes with honeycomb and zesty orange with a vanilla finish.
The bottle is also a special one, designed by Studio Berdi in Bogota, Colombia—a result of a crowdsourcing campaign by the brand, which invited independent artists worldwide to create the design. The Glenlivet 12 Year Old 200 Year Anniversary Edition bottle is now available at RM423.
Hennessy Master Blender’s Selection No.5
Following a three-year break, Hennessy’s Master Blender’s Selection series returns with No. 5. For the uninitiated, the Master Blender’s Selection series features unique blends that showcase the skill and expertise of 18 distillers, whose eaux-de-vie are then chosen by Renaud Fillioux de Gironde, the 8th Generation Master Blender at Hennessy. “With Master Blender’s Selection No. 5, I opted for an innovative single-batch blend that will never be replicated,” he said.
Once the eaux-de-vie has been selected, a maturation period of at least seven years follows, in French oak barrels. On the nose, you get spice and candied orange notes, and on the palate, you have cocoa, sweet spices, and a creamy mouthfeel with a finish of light tobacco and candied orange. The Hennessy Master Blender’s Selection No. 5 is now available for retail in Malaysia.
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