Hennessy X.O La Carafe, a new luminous bottle designed specifically for luxury nightlife spaces, arrived in Japan for the first time in February 2026. To mark the occasion, Hennessy hosted an exclusive launch event at GINZA SAPPHIRE LOUNGE in Ginza, where hip-hop artists, actors, and street culture icons gathered to welcome the debut.
A New Chapter for Hennessy X.O
Hennessy X.O, the world's first cognac to carry the "eXtra Old" designation when it was created in 1870, has been reimagined for the contemporary nightlife setting with the introduction of Hennessy X.O La Carafe. While staying true to the iconic silhouette of the original X.O, the new 700ml cognac decanter features an innovative luminous battery that illuminates the bottle with a striking red glow in the dark. The design aims to bring the cognac's rich legacy into modern venues, while also proposing new ways to enjoy X.O — including as shots and in cocktails.
A High-Energy Launch Event in Ginza
The launch event was held at GINZA SAPPHIRE LOUNGE, a members-only venue that opened in October 2025 on the rooftop of the KUROSAWA BUILDING — which also houses Tiffany Ginza, Asia's largest flagship store. The event space was transformed into an immersive sensory experience, with wave-like light and video projections symbolizing fluidity and energy. At the center of it all, the luminous red bottles of Hennessy X.O La Carafe lit up the floor.
Rapper Zeebra and ¥ellow Bucks delivered live performances that matched the intensity of the night, while actor Hiroki Narimiya and artist/actor Mendy Sekiguchi were among the guests who came to witness the debut.
Voices from the Evening
Zeebra (Rapper)
"Hennessy X.O La Carafe is like a modern trophy. It's something that exists to celebrate life. When this bottle sits quietly on a table after you've popped champagne, you can feel the whole room elevate. It shows different expressions as it catches the light — almost as if it's absorbing the energy of the space. In terms of impact, it stands apart from everything else. Hip-hop has a flex culture — a culture of showing proof of where you've come. Putting a good bottle on the table is part of that. It's not just luxury; it's a statement of 'I've built myself up to here.' In that sense, Hennessy X.O is a bottle worth savoring properly — as a symbol of achievement, celebration, and maturity."
¥ellow Bucks (Rapper)
"Honestly, I hadn't seen X.O being ordered much in clubs before. But with La Carafe — the lighting, the presence — I think it really fits the nightlife scene. It's luxurious, but I'd love to see the younger generation at clubs reaching for this. In the circles I move in, Hennessy is always there. The club atmosphere, the music, the light, the energy of the crowd — it all connects back to Hennessy for me. X.O isn't the usual shot image, but when you actually try it, the aroma and taste are on another level. Smooth in a way that surprises you. Taking X.O as a shot feels like a fun twist — and if that way of enjoying it catches on, I think it could really heat up the scene further."
Hiroki Narimiya (Actor)
"Hennessy X.O La Carafe is a very artistic bottle — just looking at it makes my heart flutter. It truly feels like something made for special occasions. Growing up, I used to clean the liquor cabinet at home, and Hennessy always sat at the very top. That impression of it being a special drink reserved for adults has stayed with me ever since. Now, I often enjoy it on the rocks alone at the end of a work day. I love watching the cold liquid slowly change with my body heat. Smelling the aroma while sorting through the events of the day — for me, it's a time to breathe and reset."
Mendy Sekiguchi (Artist, Actor)
"Hennessy X.O La Carafe has a rich, full-bodied flavor with a sweetness that slowly spreads through your mouth — it truly is a drink for discerning adults. X.O is also a spirit you enjoy while taking your time with it. Savoring a single glass is itself a luxurious experience. Something crafted with time deserves to be enjoyed with time — and I think that leads to a sense of spiritual richness. Beyond that, this bottle seems to design the act of drinking as an experience itself. The curves of the bottle, the almost sculptural form, the way it changes expression as light passes through it. The sound of ice dropping into a rocks glass, the rising aroma — La Carafe invites you to enjoy all five senses. When this bottle appears at a nightlife venue, I think the atmosphere in the room will shift. It could become truly iconic."
Product Details
Hennessy X.O La Carafe
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Volume | 700ml |
| Alcohol | 40% |
| Release | Rolling out from March 5 onward |
| Availability | Selected trade establishments only |
About GINZA SAPPHIRE LOUNGE
GINZA SAPPHIRE LOUNGE is a members-only rooftop lounge that opened in October 2025 as a new Ginza landmark. Located atop the KUROSAWA BUILDING, it was designed by architect Jun Aoki and interior designer Naoyoshi Taniyama. The space includes a rooftop garden terrace, cigar deck, private salons, and a members lounge, all offering sweeping views of the Ginza cityscape.
During its opening year, the lounge is running an Open Door Policy, meaning non-members can make dining and bar reservations as visitors. The restaurant is led by Executive Chef Kenji Sato, who earned a Michelin star just five months after the opening of "L'Arceste" in Paris, offering bold yet delicate French fusion cuisine incorporating culinary influences from around the world.
Reservations: https://sapphire-lounge.com/
About Hennessy X.O
Hennessy X.O was created in 1870, when third-generation owner Maurice Hennessy crafted a special blend from aged eaux-de-vie treasured by the Hennessy family for close friends and relatives. The current bottle design, inspired by a bunch of grapes, was created in 1947 by Gérard de Joffre de Charbignac. The blend draws on approximately 100 eaux-de-vie made exclusively from grapes grown in the top four Cognac growing districts, resulting in a rich, powerful, and exceptionally smooth cognac.
