HENNESSY COGNAC

Founding and History

• Hennessy, founded in 1765 by Irishman Richard Hennessy, is one of the most famous and globally recognized Cognac houses. After serving in the French army, Richard Hennessy settled in the Cognac region and started trading eaux-de-vie, eventually building the foundation for the world’s largest Cognac producer. His son, James Hennessy, expanded the business and solidified the house’s reputation in Europe and beyond.

• Over the centuries, Hennessy has maintained its family-run tradition while also becoming part of the LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) luxury conglomerate. The house is known for its innovation and influence in shaping Cognac production, including the introduction of classifications such as VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale). Hennessy continues to dominate the Cognac market, producing around 40% of the world’s Cognac.

Style and Offerings

• Hennessy is celebrated for its ability to blend eaux-de-vie from various crus to create harmonious and consistent Cognacs. The house sources eaux-de-vie from all six Cognac crus, with a focus on Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Borderies.

• Hennessy’s Cognacs are often described as rich, full-bodied, and complex, with a signature style that combines bold flavors of fruit, oak, spice, and vanilla. The house has a vast library of eaux-de-vie, allowing its master blender, currently Renaud Fillioux de Gironde, to craft blends that maintain consistency while highlighting the depth and character of their aging reserves.