The Proven building in Kingston was the select venue for a distinctive culinary experience celebrating the legacy and innovation of the Hennessy brand on June 4, observed as World Cognac Day.

Select Brands in partnership with Moët Hennessy hosted the proceedings, bringing together food, drink, and culture in a way that felt both refined and distinctly Jamaican. There, Chef Alexa Von Strolley paired four expressions of the world-renowned cognac with a carefully curated menu.

“This is the first time we’ve officially marked World Cognac Day in Jamaica,” commented Bri’tni Riley, category manager for the Moët Hennessy portfolio at Select Brands.

“We wanted to do something that wasn’t just a party, but a journey, a way to elevate how we experience Hennessy.”

That journey unfolded across four courses, each matched with one of Hennessy’s core expressions: VS, VSOP, XO, and Paradis.

Von Strolley, known for her globally fluent but distinctly Jamaican culinary style, designed a menu that allowed each cognac to shine, without overwhelming the taste of the courses.

“I tasted everything before planning,” she said.

“The VS had this smoky brightness, so we leaned into bold, vibrant flavours, such as scallop crudo, crab dumplings. VSOP was warm and spiced, which worked beautifully with charred short rib skewers and smoky plantain tostones.”

The cognac tasting began with Hennessy Very Special (VS), the brand’s entry point, often associated with nightlife and casual gatherings. Aged for at least two years, the bold and youthful spirit has notes of toasted almonds, fresh grapes, and a hint of vanilla. Von Strolley served it alongside dramatic, high-energy dishes matching its lively character.

Next came Hennessy VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), created in 1817 at the request of the future King George IV of England. Aged for a minimum of four years, it offers a harmonious blend of spice, oak, and warmth. Von Strolley paired it with short rib skewers finished tableside with a blowtorch, adding visual theatre and depth of flavour, and smoky tostones with guava chilli jam.

Hennessy XO (Extra Old), introduced in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy for his private circle, brought a new intensity to the table. Aged up to 30 years, XO is renowned for its structure and complexity, featuring notes of candied fruits, dark chocolate, and warm spices. The dishes responded in kind: callaloo gnocchi with XO brown butter, and oxtail brioche toast topped with parmesan cream and thyme gremolata.

Finally, Hennessy Paradis, the rarest expression of the evening, brought a soft close. First blended in 1979 by Maurice Fillioux, it includes over 100 eaux-de-vie aged for decades. It’s smooth, floral, and tropical notes matched with panna cotta, pineapple curd, and just enough gold leaf.

“Paradis was the most delicate to work with,” Von Strolley noted. “The food needed to hold its own, but never get in the way. It’s about balance.”

While the evening was built around a French spirit, the mood was unmistakably Jamaican. Dancer and content creator Lee NotNice described Hennessy as “a part of our culture,” while dancehall artist Ding Dong called the night “global, but grounded in Jamaica.”

From pairing notes to playlists, every element reflected a spirit of fusion.

“There’s something about how Jamaicans engage with Hennessy that’s unique,” said Select Brand’s Riley.

“This dinner gave us a chance to show a different side of the brand where flavour, storytelling, and setting come together.”

Christopher Wilsford, the business development director for Moët Hennessy in the Americas, reflected on the connection.

“Jamaica has been part of Hennessy’s global story since 1850,” he said. “It’s not just a key market; it’s a cultural touchpoint.”

As guests savoured the final pour and dessert plates were cleared, the evening left behind more than just flavour. It left a lasting feeling that a spirit born in Cognac could find such a meaningful home in Kingston; that luxury doesn’t have to shout; and that sometimes, a sip and a story are all you need to bring people together.

Paul Auriol, the managing director for Moët Hennessy Central America and Caribbean, emphasised this sentiment.  

“Hennessy is made for more, and Jamaica reflects that from the versatility of how it’s consumed to the passion of the people who embrace it,” he shared