Brasserie Enfin

Lot R-07, First Floor, Central Piazza, Oasis Square
No 2, Jalan PJU 1A/ 7A, Oasis Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel : 603-7832 2969
FB : Brasserie Enfin

Business Hours :
Mon – Sun

*****

Thanks to the wonderful invitation, I recently get to sample the Hennessy 250 Collector Blend in an exclusive 4-course gourmet pairing session at Brasserie Enfin, specially curated by Chef James Won. Hennessy believes that an excellent cognac starts with the wood barrels, and in this occasion, 250 handmade oak barrels that held the Hennessy 250 Collector blend.

Will Quah welcomed guests to the venue of an opulent setting graced by countless decanters of the limited edition offering, designed by Stéphanie Balini. The designer proved her singular command of the luxury codes while demonstrating a maturity that compels respect, perfectly demonstrated in the decanter that houses the blend born of the creative inspiration of seven generations of Master Blenders from the Fillioux family.

Since 2010, Yann Fillioux, together with his Comité de Dégustation (Tasting Committee), has been selecting eaux de vie from amongst the ones he has carefully chosen and matured throughout his 50-year presence in the Maison and have created a subtle and elegant, yet powerful blend for the occasion: The Hennessy 250 Collector Blend.

The 250 barrels that hold the 250 Collector Blend – entirely hand-made by traditional coopers from La Sarrazine, Hennessy’s cooperage – have been specially sized for the event and hold 250 litres (rather than the usual 270). Made of wide-grained Limousin oak, the barrels add just a touch of vanilla and toast, without overpowering the aromas of the eaux-de-vie. The eaux-de-vie have been previously aged in barrels for at least ten years under optimum condition in an ageing cellar near the banks of the Charente.

We were led on a sensorial discovery of the Hennessy 250 Collector Blend in a step by step process and enlightened on the history and making of the blend. Guests were given a handful of precious saffron spice in a glass jar. The tasting was a unique experience as the saffron spice perfectly showcased the exquisiteness and complexity of the Hennessy 250 Collector Blend.

Tasting Notes of Hennessy 250 Collector Blend

Colour
This anniversary cognac is distinguished by a bright, warm shade of amber, which comes from the slow ageing of the eaux-de-vie and the successive blending processes.

Nose
Aromatic tones ranging from herbal to spicy give the 250 Collector Blend a remarkable voluptuousness, revealing notes of bitter orange and fresh nutmeg, liquorice, dried peppermint leaves, and precious spices such as saffron.

Palate
While exhibiting its power on the palate, this anniversary cognac also possesses a great elegance, with its wonderful persistence on the finish highlighted by a delightful nuance of spicy complexity.

The first entrée was a dish of potato crisps, scallop with marmite, monkfish liver and bacon paired flawlessly with Hennessy X.O, which showcased the masculine characteristics of this generous cognac.

Accompanied by Hennessy X.O, the crispy skin snapper was served next, along with lobster as well as crispy sago that infused with saffron and lobster reduction. The rich taste of seafood harmonised seamlessly with the delicate and fruity nuances of the excellent cognac.

The principal plat of our exquisite menu pairing was yam pillows and braised pork shoulder in tea, cashew, chili and saffron sable and truffle raisins ketchup. The rich and full-bodied texture of the meat enhanced the richness of Hennessy 250 Collector blend, and left a wonderful persistence finish on the palate – combining the perfect balance of subtlety and complexity.

Dessert was then served to complete our tasting experience, the perfect dish of cashew, pandan chlorophyll, coconut textures and saffron Arborio pudding paired together with Hennessy X.O. It was a mouthful of spectacular texture and taste which brought a sweet ending to this 4-course lunch.

The Hennessy 250 Collector Blend is priced at RM2531.30 nett and only available via order directly through Moët Hennessy Diageo. For further enquiry, please call (603) 2053 8688 or email us directly at wk.chong@mhdm.com.my.