On Monday, Hennessey hosted a press gathering at a home in the hills of West Hollywood to launch their latest venture: “Le Voyage.” A brand ambassador discussed the Cognac maker’s centuries-old history and explained the creation process from vine to bottle, including the winemaking, distillation, selection, maturation.

The family-run company is actually a story of two families: the Hennesseys, who operate the maison (the house of Hennessey), and the Filliouxs, who have mastered the art of blending generation after generation. Together, the two families have guided the company over time to into the respected brand it is today.

Le Voyage is described as a “multi-sensory activation will give vigor to the mastery exuded by the Maison’s Tasting Committee at every stage of the Cognac-making process.” I’m not sure exactly what that means, but it’s officially launching in Los Angeles this month.

The press event included a tasting of the XO with sensory-enhancing perfumes of a few of the flavors that are found in the cognac’s notes: apricot, sticky toffee, and chocolate. In addition to the olfactory enhancers, macarons provided mouthfeel guidance — a ginger-flavored macaron simulated the rising heat of the spirit, while a pepper-flavored cookie recreated its spiciness.

Additionally, guests engaged in a cocktail mixing involving the VSOP, specifically, the time-honored French 75.

Here’s the recipe:

1 oz. Hennessey VSOP

½ oz. simple syrup

Shake well over ice and pour into a champagne flute. Fill remainder of glass with Champagne and garnish with lemon zest.

Enjoy immediately — ideally from the large patio of a hilltop mansion overlooking the Sunset Strip on a chilly autumn evening.