Hennessy

Hennessy is the world's best-selling Cognac — accounting for roughly 40% of all Cognac sold globally — produced in Cognac, France since 1765. Founded by Irish military officer Richard Hennessy, the house is now owned by LVMH, with blending overseen by eight generations of the Fillioux family. Hennessy pioneered the VS/VSOP/XO classification system that the entire Cognac industry now uses.

Hennessy VS — Very Special

The entry point to the Hennessy lineup and the world's most consumed Cognac. Minimum 2 years aging in Limousin oak barrels. Bold and fruity with notes of grilled almonds, fresh grapes, and oak — designed for mixing and cocktails. The standard for a Hennessy and Coke or sour.

Hennessy VSOP Privège — Very Superior Old Pale

A blend of eaux-de-vie aged a minimum of 4 years, with the oldest exceeding 15 years. Smooth and complex with vanilla, dried fruit, and light spice — the sweet spot between versatility and sipping quality. Works equally well neat, on the rocks, or in quality cocktails.

Hennessy XO — Extra Old

First created by Maurice Hennessy in 1870 for his personal use, XO established the entire XO category. A blend of up to 100 eaux-de-vie aged a minimum of 10 years, with some barrels exceeding 30 years. Rich and complex — dark chocolate, roasted coffee, candied orange, and a finish of remarkable length. For neat sipping only.

Hennessy Black

A lighter, more modern expression designed for mixing at 86 proof. More floral and citrus-forward than VS, with less oak influence. Created for those who want the Hennessy character in a more approachable, cocktail-friendly format.

Hennessy Pure White

A lightly aged, uncolored Cognac with a fresh, fruity profile — citrus blossom, green apple, and subtle wood. Not officially distributed in the United States, making it a sought-after bottle for collectors and enthusiasts who encounter it abroad or through specialty retailers. Light, approachable, and distinctly different from the standard lineup.

Hennessy Paradis & Paradis Impérial

The prestige tier. Paradis blends rare eaux-de-vie aged 25 to over 100 years, producing extraordinary depth and elegance. Paradis Impérial — created in collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld — draws from the oldest and rarest reserves in the Hennessy cellars. Both are collector-grade expressions presented in hand-crafted decanters.

Richard Hennessy

The apex of the Hennessy range — a blend of the rarest and oldest eaux-de-vie in the house cellars, some aged over 200 years, presented in a hand-crafted Baccarat crystal decanter. Named for the Irish military officer who founded the house in 1765. One of the most prestigious Cognac releases produced anywhere in the world.

• All Brandy & Cognac
• Rare & Allocated Bottles
• Custom Engraving
• Gifts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Hennessy VS and VSOP?

VS uses eaux-de-vie aged a minimum of 2 years — bolder, fruitier, and best for mixing. VSOP Privège uses older eaux-de-vie (minimum 4 years, some exceeding 15) for a smoother, more complex profile suitable for both mixing and neat sipping.

What is Hennessy XO?

Hennessy XO (Extra Old) is a blend of up to 100 eaux-de-vie aged a minimum of 10 years. First created by Maurice Hennessy in 1870, it established the XO classification for the entire Cognac category. Dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and candied orange — strictly a sipping Cognac.

What is Hennessy Pure White?

A lightly aged, uncolored Cognac with a fresh, citrus-forward profile — not officially distributed in the US, making it a sought-after specialty bottle. Distinctly different from the aged expressions in the standard lineup.

What is Richard Hennessy?

The apex of the Hennessy range — a blend of rare eaux-de-vie aged up to over 200 years, presented in a hand-crafted Baccarat crystal decanter. Named for the Irish military officer who founded the house in 1765.

Is Hennessy a Cognac or a whiskey?

Cognac — a type of brandy distilled from grapes, not grain. Produced in the Cognac appellation region of southwest France under strict AOC regulations governing grape varieties, distillation method, and aging requirements.