In the lead-up to the annual recognition of World Cognac Day, one of the spirit’s most iconic global brands took center stage at a bespoke culinary event at Kingston’s acclaimed Ivy23 restaurant on June 2. Nearly 50 invited guests – including Jamaican Olympian Asafa Powell, content creator Carmen-Elena “Cholita” Stewart, and prominent local food industry figures – gathered for an intimate three-course pairing dinner highlighting the unique versatility of three of Hennessy’s core expressions: VS, VSOP, and XO.
Ivy23 has built its reputation on a boundary-pushing culinary philosophy that fuses flavors and cooking techniques from across four continents: Europe, Asia, India, and the Caribbean, weaving these disparate influences into cohesive, innovative menu items. For this exclusive collaboration with Hennessy, co-owner Vivek Chatani explained that the team opted not to tone down Ivy23’s signature bold flavors to accommodate the cognac, but instead designed each course to meet each spirit expression as an equal creative partner. In a nod to the collaborative spirit of the event, the kitchen even infused Hennessy directly into two of the evening’s three main courses, letting the spirit’s depth elevate every bite.
The evening kicked off with an energetic opening course designed to highlight the bold character of Hennessy VS, the youngest and most vibrant of the three expressions, which boasts bright fruit notes and a robust finish. Guests were served two small plates: Spicy Chilli Oil Chicken Dumplings and Cognac-infused Chicken Tikka. The dumplings deliver a sharp, lingering heat, while the tikka features warm, bold spices rounded out by a rich cream, cashew and cheese sauce cooked with a cognac reduction. The bright structure of Hennessy VS cuts through the dish’s richness and stands up evenly to the heat, creating a balanced, dynamic first impression that set the tone for the rest of the night.
The meal transitioned smoothly into the second course, which paired Hennessy VSOP with a creamy saffron risotto topped with grilled shrimp. Unlike the bold bite of VS, VSOP is a rounder, more refined expression with soft vanilla, gentle spice and delicate floral notes that echo the earthy, aromatic sweetness of saffron. The creamy texture of the risotto balances the cognac’s warm finish, while the grilled shrimp adds a subtle smoky sweetness that complements the spirit’s nuanced profile, resulting in a smooth, harmonized midpoint for the evening.
The dining experience culminated in a decadent final course centered on Hennessy XO, the crowning jewel of the brand’s core portfolio. XO is the richest and most complex of the three expressions, with deep notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, coffee, and aged oak. To mirror these layers, the kitchen paired XO with a duo of desserts: a dark chocolate mousse infused with Hennessy, and a classic tiramisu defined by its rich coffee and cream layers. The overlapping flavor profiles of the food and spirit create a seamless, luxurious finish that brought the evening’s exploration of cognac and food pairing to a satisfying close.
Beyond the food and drink, Chatani noted that the structured pairing experience invited guests to slow down and engage more intentionally with their meal. After each bite of food and sip of cognac, guests return to their plate to discover how the flavors shift: the spice softens, the saffron’s aroma opens up, and the chocolate notes round out the finish, creating a dynamic, interactive sensory experience rather than a standard meal.
Hosted in partnership with Select Brands, the event turned a global celebration of cognac into an intimate, locally rooted experience that aligned with Ivy23’s core mission. “We want Ivy23 to be a space for culinary discovery, where guests can try something new they won’t find anywhere else in Kingston,” Chatani explained. “Constant innovation is at the heart of what we do, whether that’s developing new signature dishes in our kitchen or partnering with iconic brands like Hennessy to create one-of-a-kind experiences. Jamaica’s food scene is brimming with incredible talent, and we’re proud to contribute to its growth by drawing on global flavors, adding our own unique local twist, and delivering unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
The evening also featured welcome cocktails including the Hennessy Pure White Cast Away and the signature Henny Mash, a refreshing blend of muddled strawberries, Hennessy, Triple Sec, lime juice, and syrup topped with Sprite, proving further the versatility of Hennessy cognac in a range of drinking experiences.