The old adage that three times is a charm has certainly fulfilled its promise when our most enjoyable sins, gambling and drinking, have united once again in the heart of Soho in New York City. The exclusive “invitation only” Hennessy tasting event saga, the third jointly sponsored affair hosted by Privy, is very proud to present our continued successful partnership with Caesar’s Entertainment and Hennessy (LVMH Group). The city that never sleeps completes our trifecta – Los Angeles. San Francisco, and now New York.

Overlooking all the designer shops along Wooster Street, and next door to Jason Wu’s TSE, Caesar's Loft is situated in a chic part of New York.  After a short elevator ride, we were whisked into a tastefully decorated modern loft complete with Julius Caesar busts and graceful roman columns set against a dark wood interior, all coming together to create one of the most interesting loft spaces in Soho.

Privy NY members got to partake in some truly VIP treatment.  Wayne Chang, Hennessy Brand Ambassador and Privy Member, smartly presented some of the most exquisite cognac that Hennessy offers, taking guests on a journey in discovering just how to “experience” cognac. He skillfully guided us through tastings of three different premium cognacs, enlightening guests in the proper way to savor each spirit.

The Privy guests ushered in tonight were an eclectic mix of designers, artists, celebs, financiers and agency execs which kept things lively, fresh and interesting. Some of those attending this evening were Privy CEO Stephen Liu, Privy Creative Director Linda Kim, Privy Ambassador Patrick Chun (of Bain Capital), Eva and Ava Bai of Vale Jewelry, the fabulous Lisa Ling, History Channel Magazine GM Sujean Lee, Project by Project National Chairman and Privy non-profit partner Liliana Chen, Google Agency Relations Head Khee Lee, Dewey Digital Partner Rob Sebastian, Andrew Kim of Paulson & Co, Kim Chi Chronicles Producer Eric Rhee, Foodie Reporter/Anchor Michelle Park from NY1, Brand Consultant Susan Kim Tsui, Executive Director PJ Kim of New York Needs You, International Creative Management Agent Patricia Kim, Barrel Agency CEO Peter Kang, jewelry designer Bliss Lau, John Park at Apax Partners, Plan C Agency CEO Giancarlo Pancheco, and of course Jennifer Yen, of Pur-lisse. Executives from both Hennessy and Caesars were on hand as well.

One note of significance is the captivating symbol of international support worn on the lapels of a multitude of the evening’s attendees. This vital icon, a white ribbon emblazoned with a red rising sun, is the “Ribbon for Japan”, a representation of the global awareness campaign established by a group of professionals from the Fashion, Art, Music, and Entertainment industry (FAME), and whose mission is aiding in the humanitarian relief and reconstruction efforts underway in Japan after that country’s recent earthquake devastation. This particular endeavor is part of Privy Causes, whose mission personifies the belief in the power of rallying to raise awareness and support for issues important to our community, and that purpose-minded individuals can leverage our collective resources to affect significant change in the world. These endeavors are exemplified by the Joint US-China Collaboration on Clean Energy (JUCCCE), Liberty in North Korea (LiNK), and Project by Project (PbP), who monitor and maximize the cooperative efforts within environmental, human rights, and Asian American issues.

We started out the evening with Hennessy Black mixers (expertly joined with both ginger and cranberry) and delicious appetizers from the Palms Steak House, like Steak with Rosemary Mayonnaise, Ahi Tuna Tartar on Taro Chips, Shrimp with Atomic Horseradish. While a live “urban jazz” guitarist played in the background, we continued with the richly powerful Hennessy X.O, possessing hints of exotic spices, sweet tobacco, leather, and dried figs. Next was featured the rare 130-year-old Hennessy Paradis, which seemed to literally burst with peppery spices yet was softened by floral aromas and a sweet, smooth finish. We concluded the tasting with the flagship of Hennessy offerings, the 200-year-old Richard Hennessy, which deftly orchestrates the rich bouquet of aromas like vanilla, spices, peppers, and delicately fragrant flowers. Its superior texture revealed an extraordinary palette of spicy, fruity, and woody flavors, and even a hint of mint and rose petals, elements not often found in cognacs.

The close of the deliciously interactive evening treated each guest with a generously supplied Hennessy gift bag, along with a RF3 "Joseph Vincent" Live headset (from Privy member Ryan Tsui), and Jennifer Yen provided some Pur-lisse lip cosmetics for the ladies. All of the guests were also suitably impressed and quite surprised to find a lovely gift certificate for a free night’s stay in a Caesar’s Hotel.

As a glorious sunset draped itself over the stunning New York skyline, the evening’s conversations were tuned-in to the grand spectacle while overlooking the shoppers and strollers down on the Soho streets below, and every romantic moment was savored by our guests amid the abundant display of spirited fare and finery so meticulously arranged by our hosts. All of which proves that the triumvirate energies of Privy, Hennessy, and Caesars Entertainment, have again been able to successfully showcase a grand collaborative venture, not only in Los Angeles and San Francisco, but have indeed brought home the coveted crown, New York.

ABOUT HENNESSY

Hennessy is imported and distributed in the U.S. by Moët Hennessy USA, Inc. and is produced by Jas Hennessy & Co., a subsidiary of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton S.A. Hennessy distills, ages and blends a full range of marques, including Hennessy V.S, Privilege V.S.O.P, Hennessy Black, X.O, Paradis and Richard Hennessy. For more information, please visit www.hennessy.com.

ABOUT CAESARS

Caesars Entertainment Corporation is the world's most geographically diversified provider of branded casino entertainment, operating 52 resorts in seven countries. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, more than 73 years ago, Caesars has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions. The company's properties operate primarily under the Harrah's®, Caesars® and Horseshoe® brand names. Caesars also owns the World Series of Poker® and the London Clubs International family of casinos. For more information, please visit www.caesars.com.

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