Hennessy VSOP Privilege Limited Edition by Carnovsky 2016
Hennessy VSOP Privilege Limited Edition by Carnovsky 2016 is cognac as collectible art — an 80-proof (40% ABV) VSOP Privilege cognac in a 750mL bottle, dressed for the 2016 holidays by Milan artist duo Carnovsky (Francesco Rugi & Silvia Quintanilla) as Collection 7 of Hennessy's annual artist series. Their "RGB Project" layers 17th-century illustrations in red, green, and blue: to the naked eye one image, but colored filters — included in the gift box — reveal hidden layers drawn from Hennessy's own archives: sun, earth, grapes, water, the house coat of arms. The cognac inside is the classic VSOP Privilege blend of 60+ eaux-de-vie aged 4–15 years across the four crus of Cognac. Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV) — 750mL
- Blend: VSOP Privilege — 60+ eaux-de-vie, aged 4–15 years, four crus of Cognac
- Edition: 2016 holiday release, Collection 7 artist series — Carnovsky RGB design
- Origin: Jas Hennessy & Co., Cognac, France
- Packaging: illustrated gift box with colored RGB filters and leaflet
Three Colors, One Cognac
Carnovsky's trick is optical: red for the forces of creation (sun, moon, Charente fountains), green for nature and origins, blue for the sensorial tasting journey — including a sailing vessel and crown nodding to King George IV, whose 1817 order created VSOP Privilege. Slip the included filters over the box and the artwork splits into its hidden layers. See more from Hennessy or browse Del Mesa's cognac shelf.
Tasting Notes
Vanilla, clove, and soft cinnamon spice on the nose over toasted oak; a balanced harmony of strength and smoothness on the palate with a fresh grape note; a long, lasting finish (house/consensus notes).
How to Enjoy
Neat in a tulip glass or over a single large cube — and keep the box: limited artist editions are made to display. It also anchors a proper Sidecar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Carnovsky 2016 edition?
The seventh annual Hennessy artist collaboration — a 2016 holiday limited edition with RGB-overlay artwork by the Milan duo Carnovsky.
How do the RGB filters work?
The box art is printed in layered red, green, and blue illustrations; the included colored filters reveal each hidden layer.
Is the cognac inside different from regular VSOP Privilege?
No — the liquid is the classic VSOP Privilege blend; the edition is about the artwork and packaging.
Art you can pour — order the Hennessy Carnovsky 2016 limited edition online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.