Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest We all know Hennessy X.O. means Extra Old and extra fancy. The description suggests a set of strict rules for cognac consumption: serve it neat or with a splash of spring water, at room temperature, in a tulip glass, after dinner, maybe with cigars. But lately even the biggest alcohol brands are embracing an “anything goes” mentality and introducing new ways to enjoy drinks—and winning over new fans in the process. We saw this in action when Hennessy X.O. launched its new Odyssey campaign at Green Sun with a brand film by Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn. Taking inspiration from the campaign tagline “Each drop of Hennessy X.O. is an odyssey,” the film explored the seven chapters of savoring Hennessy X.O. The sensory experience was complemented with a tastescape consisting of small bites that represented the cognac’s flavor journey: sweet notes, rising heat, spicy edge, flowing flames, chocolate lull, and wood crunches. Infinite echo—the seventh and final chapter—is the lasting impression left by the finish. Food inspired by Hennessy XO’s 7 chapters curated by Chef Jessie–Flowing Flame (Breaded Beef Ball with chocolate in ceramic spoon); Sweet Notes (Brochette of Shrimp Chimichurri with apricot and dried cranberry) Hennessy XO with tea rock (ice cubes infused with earl grey tea) and Hennessy XO with three rocks of ice Guests lined up at the bar for Hennessy X.O. neat or on the rocks served in tumblers or wine glasses. But it was the X.O. served with ice cubes infused with Earl Grey tea and served in a wine glass that piqued the curiosity of the crowd. Tea and whisky is a popular drink in China, but a quick survey of the room suggested that few had tried cognac with tea-infused ice. The Earl Grey’s distinctive floral citrus flavor from the extracted oil of the bergamot orange rind added a powerful element to the already complex flavor profile that awakened our senses and allowed us appreciate the cognac in a new way. Needless to say, it left a lasting impression. Gio Robles, Marketing Manager of Hennessy and Olga Azarcon, Managing Director of Moet Hennessy Philippines Z Teo, Christian Mark Jacobs, and Aivee Teo Teddy and Janine Dario Karrie Bitanga Palliard Francis Libiran and Arsi Baltazar DrinkManila’s Tatum Ancheta, Icy Mariñas, Patricia Romualdez, PeopleAsia’s Monica Tiosejo, and Sheree Chua Sheree Chua Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila’s Resident Manager Mr Alfredo Denage, Moet Hennessy Philippines’ Myleen Tobias and Ryan Marcelo Mark Bumgarner and Franco Laurel CJ Jaravata, Drink Manila’s Icy Mariñas, Phoemela Baranda, Charmaine Palermo, and Apples Aberin