Hennessy is a French brand of cognac. It is the largest cognac house in the world and is owned by the luxury goods conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. The brand produces a range of cognacs from VS (Very Special) to XO (Extra Old) and beyond.
Founded in 1765 by Richard Hennessy, an Irishman who was serving in the French army.
In 1817, the Prince of Wales (later King George IV) ordered a large quantity of Hennessy cognac, establishing the brand in England.
In the late 1800s, the brand began exporting to the United States.
In 1971, Hennessy merged with champagne producer Moët et Chandon, forming Moët Hennessy.
In 1987, Moët Hennessy merged with Louis Vuitton to form LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
Today, Hennessy is the largest cognac house in the world and is sold in over 130 countries.
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Hennessy V.S. is the flagship cognac of the brand. It is a blend of about 40 eaux-de-vie aged for a minimum of two years.
Hennessy V.S.O.P. is a cognac aged for at least four years, with some aged up to 15 years. It is a blend of about 60 eaux-de-vie.
Hennessy X.O. is a blend of over 100 eaux-de-vie, aged for at least 10 years. It is a premium cognac with a complex flavor profile.
Hennessy V.S. is aged for a minimum of two years and is a blend of about 40 eaux-de-vie. Hennessy V.S.O.P. is aged for at least four years, with some aged up to 15 years, and is a blend of about 60 eaux-de-vie. V.S.O.P. is smoother and more complex than V.S.
'X.O.' stands for 'Extra Old'. This indicates that the cognac is aged for at least 10 years, making it a premium offering from the brand.
Hennessy cognac is produced in the town of Cognac, located in southwest France. The brand has been producing cognac in this region for over 250 years.
Hennessy cognac can be enjoyed straight or on the rocks. It can also be used in cocktails such as the classic Sidecar or the modern Hennessy Sour. The brand recommends serving Hennessy V.S. with ice and tonic water for a refreshing drink.
The price of Hennessy cognac varies depending on the specific product and the location where it is purchased. Hennessy V.S. typically costs between $40 and $50, while Hennessy X.O. can cost $200-$250 or more.