Hennessy

Hennessy Cognac – VS, VSOP, XO & Limited Editions

Hennessy is the world's best-selling cognac — accounting for roughly 40% of all Cognac sold globally — and has been produced at the Hennessy house in Cognac, France since 1765. Founded by Irish military officer Richard Hennessy, the brand is now owned by LVMH and produces over 50 million bottles annually while maintaining the house blending philosophy passed down through eight generations of master blenders from the Fillioux family. Wooden Cork carries the full Hennessy lineup nationwide, from everyday VS to ultra-rare collector expressions.

Hennessy Prices & Lineup

Hennessy VS (Very Special) — The entry expression and the world's best-selling cognac by volume. A blend of over 40 eaux-de-vie aged a minimum of 2 years in French oak. Bold, fruity, and designed for mixing — the standard choice for a Hennessy & Coke, Sidecar, or French 75. Typically $35–$45 for 750ml.

Hennessy VSOP Privilège — A blend of over 60 eaux-de-vie, aged a minimum of 4 years. Significantly more complex than the VS — vanilla, dried fruit, toasted oak, and a smoother finish. The right choice for sipping over ice or in quality cocktails. Typically $55–$70 for 750ml.

Hennessy XO (Extra Old) — First created by Maurice Hennessy in 1870 and widely credited as the original XO Cognac. A blend of over 100 eaux-de-vie aged a minimum of 10 years (though the blend averages significantly older). Rich dark chocolate, roasted coffee, dried fruit, and a long, warming finish. Designed for neat sipping. Typically $200–$230 for 750ml.

Hennessy Black — A lighter, more accessible expression at 86 proof, designed specifically for cocktail mixing. Floral and citrus-forward, smoother than VS. Typically $40–$55.

Hennessy Master Blender's Selection — Annual limited releases from master blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde, each using a unique cask selection and expressing a specific aspect of the Hennessy style.

Hennessy Paradis & Paradis Impérial — The prestige tier. Paradis blends rare eaux-de-vie averaging 25+ years old. Paradis Impérial uses only Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie, some over 100 years old. The most prestigious expressions in the standard Hennessy lineup.

Richard Hennessy — The apex of the range, named for the founder, blending some of the rarest and oldest eaux-de-vie in the Hennessy cellars. A collector's expression in a hand-crafted Baccarat crystal decanter.

Hennessy Canned Cocktails — Ready-to-drink expressions including Hennessy & Coca-Cola, Hennessy Sour, and Hennessy Ginger. Convenient, consistent, and made with real Hennessy VS.

How Hennessy Is Made

Hennessy uses Ugni Blanc grapes grown primarily in the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus of the Cognac region. The wine is double-distilled in copper alembic pot stills, then aged in French oak barrels (Tronçais and Limousin) sourced from forests the company manages directly. The master blender selects from a library of over 350,000 barrels to assemble each expression. The house style — bold, fruit-forward, accessible — is deliberately consistent across releases.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Hennessy cost?

Hennessy VS typically retails at $35–$45 for 750ml. VSOP is $55–$70. XO ranges from $200–$230. Paradis starts around $500, Paradis Impérial around $1,200, and Richard Hennessy at $4,000+. Specific current pricing for each expression is shown on the product pages below.

What is the difference between Hennessy VS and VSOP?

VS uses eaux-de-vie aged a minimum of 2 years — bolder and more spirit-forward, best for mixing. VSOP uses older eaux-de-vie (minimum 4 years) with more complexity and smoothness, suitable for both mixing and sipping. The VSOP is a meaningful quality step up, not just a marketing distinction.

Is Hennessy a cognac or a whiskey?

Hennessy is a Cognac — a type of brandy, not whiskey. Cognac is distilled from grapes, not grain. Hennessy is produced in the Cognac region of France under strict appellation rules that require specific grape varieties, double distillation, and aging in French oak.

Do you offer gift wrapping for Hennessy?

Yes — gift wrapping, gift boxes, and personalized engraving are available on select bottles at checkout.