Hennessy is a renowned French producer of cognac, a type of brandy, with headquarters in Cognac, France. The company was founded in 1765 by Richard Hennessy, an Irish Jacobite military officer. Jas Hennessy & Cie, as it is formally known, has been crafting cognacs for over 250 years and is recognized globally as one of the leading cognac houses. Hennessy is owned by Moët Hennessy, which is co-owned by LVMH (66%) and Diageo (34%). Hennessy sells approximately 102 million bottles of its cognacs per year, making it the world's largest cognac producer.
Hennessy produces a range of cognacs, each distinguished by its aging and blend of eaux-de-vie (brandy made from wine). Key expressions include Hennessy V.S. (Very Special), a vibrant and youthful blend with fruity and spicy notes, ideal for cocktails; Hennessy V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale), a smooth and balanced cognac with hints of vanilla, fruit, and spice; and Hennessy X.O. (Extra Old), a complex and full-bodied cognac with notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and warm spices. Limited editions and collector bottles are also released, some containing very old eaux-de-vie and packaged in luxurious decanters. The price of Hennessy varies depending on the specific expression and bottle size, with V.S. starting around $40-$60, V.S.O.P. around $60-$100, and X.O. ranging from $180-$250. Availability is widespread, with Hennessy cognacs sold in over 160 countries and available through various retailers and online platforms.
