Hennessy VS x Les Twins “Lil Beast” Cognac

Introduction

“Hennessy VS × Les Twins ‘Lil Beast’” is a limited edition of Hennessy Very Special (VS) cognac in collaboration with the French dance duo Les Twins (Laurent and Larry Bourgeois). It was released in 2021, and is one of two bottles in the collaboration (“Lil Beast” and “Ca Blaze”), each bearing a different design corresponding to one of the twins. The collaboration blends Hennessy’s cognac heritage with Les Twins’ street movement, energy, and artistic signature. The design is inspired by motion capture of their performances; the duo visited Cognac (France), met with the Maison (Hennessy), and explored the cognac-making process, then worked with Hennessy to reflect that process in the visuals. (Hennessy)

While the liquid inside is the standard Hennessy VS cognac (i.e. no special finishing or different blend), the edition is special for its packaging, design, marketing, and cocktail/serving suggestions. (Gastroactitud)

What We Know: Specifications & Details

Here are the known details about this edition, including what is standard VS cognac and what is particular to the “Lil Beast” version.

Flavor / Tasting Profile

Since the “Lil Beast” edition uses the core VS liquid, the flavor than standard VS. However, some retailers describe the tasting notes, and these help understand what VS is like and what one can expect in this edition.

From a retailer listing (Quality Liquor Store) for “Lil Beast”:

• Nose: “Roasted almonds, brown sugar, vine, and fruit notes.” (Quality Liquor Store)
• Palate: “Full‑bodied, rich, and creamy, with vanilla, apple, and oak.” (Quality Liquor Store)
• Finish: “Fresh and floral finish.” (Quality Liquor Store)

These are consistent with descriptions of standard Hennessy VS in many other contexts. VS is usually lighter and younger than VSOP, meaning fruit and floral notes are more evident, oak is less dominating, and it tends to be more flexible as a mix cognac. (idrinks.cz)

The Collaboration: Design, Inspiration, Marketing

What makes this edition noteworthy is not the liquor so much as what surrounds it: the creative collaboration, design, and how Hennessy and Les Twins position it.

Les Twins & Their Role

• Les Twins are Laurent and Larry Bourgeois, twin brothers from Sarcelles (a suburb of Paris), well known globally as dancers in hip hop / street dance, with a style that’s freestyle, expressive, often viral. (Gastroactitud)
• For this collaboration, they visited the Hennessy facilities (including vineyards, distillation cellars, aging cellars) to learn about the cognac-making process. This visit inspired them and informed the designs, as well as some of their commentary about the parallels between cognac production and dance: precision, layering, patience, blending. (Hennessy)

Visual & Artistic Design

• Motion capture technology was used to record live performance of Les Twins, and these motion traces were incorporated into the packaging graphics. The limited edition bottles each bear one twin’s likeness (Lil Beast = Laurent; the other version, Ca Blaze = Larry). (Hennessy)
• There’s a fashion capsule associated with the collaboration: jackets (denim, lambskin), cargo pant, wearing streetwear combining art/design elements from the motion capture print. (Hennessy)

Marketing, Cultural Context

• Hennessy has a history of collaborations with artists, designers, and cultural icons. This is part of their strategy of connecting cognac (a centuries-old spirit) to younger audiences, urban culture, street art, dance, music. The Les Twins edition is in that vein. (Hennessy)
• The campaign included cocktails designed in collaboration with the twins or mixologists inspired by their style. The “Lil Beast” cocktail is one example. (Hennessy)

“People Also Ask” Style Questions & Answers

Here are common questions people ask (or might ask) about this edition, with answers derived from what is known.

Q: What is Hennessy VS “Lil Beast” by Les Twins?

Answer:
Hennessy VS “Lil Beast” is a limited‑edition version of Hennessy Very Special cognac, produced in collaboration with Les Twins (Laurent & Larry Bourgeois), French dancers. It features special packaging and label design (motion capture visuals, artistic likeness of Laurent “Lil Beast”), plus associated marketing (cocktail recipes, fashion capsule, visuals), but the cognac liquid is the same as the standard Hennessy VS. It was released in 2021.

Q: Is the “Lil Beast” cognac different in flavor or composition compared to standard Hennessy VS?

Answer:
No — in terms of liquid/composition, there is no change. The cognac inside is the standard Hennessy VS blend. That means age profile, cask maturation, eaux‑de‑vie selection are as in the regular VS. The differences are packaging, label design, and how it’s presented (limited edition, artistic collaboration). Flavor-wise, the tasting notes given by retailers are consistent with standard VS: fruity, nutty (almonds), vanilla, oak, fresh / floral finish. The “Lil Beast” name and design do not imply a different-age or different blend cognac. (Gastroactitud)

Q: What does “VS” mean in Hennessy VS?

Answer:
“VS” stands for “Very Special.” It is one of the official cognac categories. Cognac VS is legally required to have its youngest eau‑de‑vie in the blend aged at least 2 years in oak. It is the entry‑level cognac in terms of age among the categories: VS, VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale), XO (Extra Old), etc. Hennessy VS is blended to be bright, youthful, vibrant, with fruit and floral notes, and less oak dominance than older cognacs. (Reddit)

Q: What is the alcohol content / proof of Lil Beast edition?

Answer:
40% ABV (80 proof). This is standard for Hennessy VS in most markets. (Caskers)

Q: How much does the “Lil Beast” edition cost? Is it more expensive than regular VS?

Answer:
Yes, slightly more expensive—but not dramatically so. Because “Lil Beast” is limited edition packaging and collaboration, there is a premium over the standard VS price. Examples:

• Caskers lists $43.99 for the 750 mL “Lil Beast” edition. (Caskers)
• In Europe, retailers have ~€44.99. (Sneldrank)

Regular Hennessy VS generally sells somewhat lower (depending on country, taxes, region). The extra cost is for the design, packaging, and collectability rather than a different liquid.

Q: What are the tasting / flavor notes of this edition?

Answer:
From retailer descriptions:

• Nose: roasted almonds, brown sugar, grape / fruit notes. (Caskers)
• Palate: vanilla, apple, oak, a creamy, rich mouthfeel. (Quality Liquor Store)
• Finish: fresh and floral. (Quality Liquor Store)

Since the liquid is standard VS, the flavor profile will be similar to other VS cognacs: lighter age, fruit, floral/top notes, moderate oak influence, good balance for mixing or sipping modestly.

Q: How is “Lil Beast” best served? Neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails?

Answer:
Because it is VS, which is younger and lighter, it is very flexible. Here are some recommendations:

• Neat in a cognac/glencairn/balloon glass for tasting the aroma and flavors. However, since VS is young, some may find alcohol heat or oak edges; letting it breathe helps.
• On the rocks or with a splash of water: this often helps open up fruit or floral notes.
• Mixed in cocktails: This is one of the strong suits of Hennessy VS editions (especially limited editions). Hennessy promoted Lil Beast with its own cocktail recipe (see below). The “Lil Beast” cocktail (inspired by Laurent) uses VS cognac, vanilla syrup, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and ginger beer. The acidity, sweetness, and effervescence help highlight different facets of the cognac. (Hennessy)

Q: Is it collectible or mainly for marketing / display?

Answer:
A bit of both.

• Collectible aspects: Because it’s limited edition packaging with collaboration with Les Twins, and because Les Twins have a cultural audience / following, some will buy for the aesthetic, art, display, or as a gift. The “Lil Beast” bottle is visually distinctive.
• Marketing aspects: The edition is clearly part of Hennessy’s strategy of pairing its cognac with culture, youth, dance, fashion, etc. The core liquid is not changed, which means that ultimately, this edition’s value (beyond visual appeal) depends on how much you care about design, limited labels, or association.
• Drinking vs keeping: For many, it will serve both: it can be drunk (like any VS), and display/collectible value adds some attraction. But the price premium is mostly about the packaging and branding, not a higher‑age cognac or higher quality spirit. So if you buy it hoping for significant aging or unique liquid, you may be disappointed.

Q: How is this edition different from other Hennessy VS collaborations?

Answer:
Some of the differences:

1. Dual bottle design per twin: Lil Beast and Ca Blaze are two complementary designs, each tied to one twin. Prior editions sometimes had one bottle with a custom label, but having twin‑specific designs is a neat touch. (Caskers)
2. Motion capture / performance inspiration: The use of motion capture of Les Twins’ performance and integrating movement into graphic design, packaging, visuals is more elaborate than some simpler artist label editions. (Hennessy)
3. Cultural tie‑ins: The collaboration includes cocktails, fashion capsule, visual content (videos of performances, etc.) rather than just a label change. The storytelling is more immersive. (Hennessy)
4. Liquid remains standard VS: Unlike some special edition cognacs, which might alter the blend, age, or finish, “Lil Beast” keeps the standard VS blend. So its difference is not in liquid but in packaging / culture. This is not unique (many collaborations do similar), but important to note.

Criticisms & Community Feedback

While many appreciate the aesthetic and cultural relevance of the Lil Beast edition, there are also critical or more skeptical voices. These generally focus on value, the distinction between packaging vs substance, and whether the collaboration offers anything beyond a pretty bottle.

Some of the critiques:

• “Only packaging changed” criticism: Several commenters point out that the edition is “just a label” change; liquid is identical to standard VS. For those who value flavor or aging more than design, the premium may seem unjustified. (Reddit)
• Price premium: Because of limited edition status, the price in some markets is higher than standard VS. Some users feel the premium is more for brand recognition, design, or hype, than for improved taste. (Reddit)
• Limited collector value: Some feel that because VS is the entry‑level cognac, even with custom packaging, the collectible value is less than editions that alter the liquid, have older age, or rare cask finish. For display/visual effect, it’s good; for taste or aging prestige, less so.

But conversely:

• Many enjoy it as bridging culture and cognac: using a cognac house with heritage combined with contemporary urban artists is seen as refreshing and appealing.
• Some people buy for display or gift, or enjoy the cocktails associated with the edition, not expecting liquid changes.
• The design is appreciated: motion capture graphics, fashion capsule, and visuals seem to resonate with younger audiences or fans of Les Twins.

People Also Ask / FAQs Style

To compile a set of probable Google “People Also Ask” questions with answers:

Q: Who are Les Twins?

A: Les Twins are a pair of identical twin brothers, Laurent and Larry Bourgeois, from Sarcelles near Paris. They are internationally known dancers, choreographers, performers in hip hop / street dance freestyling style. They have worked with big names (artists, performances), and have a distinctive signature in movement, rhythm, and visual aesthetic. They are the collaboration partners in the “Lil Beast” edition (Laurent) and “Ca Blaze” (Larry). (Hennessy)

Q: What is the difference between Lil Beast and Ca Blaze bottles?

A: Both are part of the Hennessy VS × Les Twins limited edition. The difference is in design: each bottle features graphic artwork / label corresponding to one of the twins. Lil Beast represents Laurent, and Ca Blaze represents Larry. The designs are mirrored but with variation in graphic elements (posture, visuals, labels). The liquid inside is the same. (Hennessy)

Q: When was the Lil Beast edition released?

A: It was released in 2021. It is part of Hennessy’s collaborations for that year. The campaign including the bottle designs, the cocktails, visuals, and fashion capsule came around that time. (Hennessy)

Q: What are the tasting notes of the Lil Beast cognac?

A: As already summarized: on the nose roasted almonds, brown sugar, fruit (grapes), vine notes; on the palate vanilla, apple, oak, creaminess; finish fresh and floral. Because it is standard VS, expect lighter age, fruit forward, moderate oak. Some may also detect floral, spice, etc., depending on environment / temperature / glass. (Quality Liquor Store)

Q: What cocktails are recommended with Lil Beast?

A: Hennessy released cocktails inspired by Les Twins movements. For Lil Beast (Laurent’s drink), recommended cocktail uses:

• Hennessy VS
• Vanilla syrup
• Elderflower liqueur
• Lime (or lemon) juice
• Ginger beer
• Garnish (like lime wedge) (Hennessy)

This cocktail aims to reflect Laurent’s style which is described as more suave, flowing, softer yet powerful. The acidity, sweetness, effervescence help balance cognac’s warmth and fruit/vanilla/oak flavors. (Hennessy)

Q: What is the price and is it available everywhere?

A: Availability is limited (it’s a special edition), mostly in markets where Hennessy operates and through specialty / liquor stores, sometimes via online retail. Price varies by country, import taxes, supply, etc. In the U.S., retailers have listed it at around US$43.99 for a 750 mL bottle. In Europe, one retailer had ~€44.99. It tends to cost more than standard VS because of packaging and limited print. (Sneldrank)

Q: Is Lil Beast edition just packaging or is the spirit improved?

A: It’s only packaging/design, not a different spirit. The liquid remains the standard Hennessy VS. There is no indication of different aging, cask finish, or blend modification. What you are paying extra for is design, branding, marketing, exclusivity, not necessarily better or different liquid. (Gastroactitud)

Pros & Cons

Here’s a breakdown of strengths and trade‑offs of this edition.

Strengths

• Visual / Artistic Appeal: The motion capture designs, twin-specific labels, and strong graphics will appeal to collectors, fans of Les Twins, and those who appreciate art + spirits crossover.
• Cultural Relevance: It connects heritage cognac with urban dance culture; it helps Hennessy reach younger or more style / culture oriented consumers.
• Accessibility: Because the spirit is standard VS, it is accessible in flavor (not too heavy, not too aged), versatile, usable in cocktails or neat.
• Gift Potential: The package makes it a good gift – the special design gives it more “presentability” than a standard bottle.

Cons / Trade‑Offs

• Liquid is not changed: If your priority is taste nuance, aging, rare cask, etc., you won’t get that here. The premium is for design.
• Price premium may not be huge, but some markets mark up steeply: Depending on import / retail markup, you may pay significantly more than standard VS, which may limit value.
• Limited edition label – might not retain high collectible value unless condition / demand is good: Special edition bottles often lose their premium once widely available or when supply outstrips demand.
• Flavor limitations: VS being younger, the cognac is lighter, less complex than older categories; for serious cognac enthusiasts, it may feel underwhelming compared to VSOP/XO or aged blends.

Conclusion

To sum up, Hennessy VS × Les Twins “Lil Beast” is a visually striking, culturally resonant limited edition that leverages the reputations of both Hennessy (cognac heritage) and Les Twins (dance, art, urban culture). It doesn’t change the liquid: the spirit remains standard VS cognac – young, fruit & floral forward, oak present but not dominating, smooth enough for cocktails and casual sipping. What you get extra is design, packaging, cultural storytelling, and a collectible/gift‑friendly bottle.

If I were advising someone considering this:

• If you enjoy cognac, especially Hennessy VS, and you value design, cultural collaborations, or want something special on the shelf, this is a good buy. It brings more flair without changing the drinking profile drastically.
• If your priority is maximum flavor complexity, long maturation, rare cask finishes, or aged cognacs (VSOP / XO), then this edition won’t offer that — it’s not meant to. For that pathway, you’d perhaps look elsewhere.
• If price is close enough to regular VS, the extra for design might be justified; if there’s a big premium, you need to decide how much packaging / limited edition appeal matters to you.

Overall, “Lil Beast” is a well‑executed limited edition: artistically interesting, brand‑appropriate, and more about experience and aesthetics than liquid innovation. It’s not going to redefine what cognac is, but it’s an attractive and meaningful variation at the intersection of dance, art, and spirits.