/ / Hennessy (cognac) - history, classification and taste properties

Hennessy (cognac) - history, classification and taste

Hennessy - the most famous and best-sellingbrandy in the world. It is sold in more than 100 countries, and the annual turnover of its production reaches about 50 million bottles. The popular brand presents to fans of elite alcohol an impressive range of inexpensive drinks, affordable base blends and immodestly expensive cognacs with a 100-year aging period. Hennessy is a top-class cognac, a standard of quality, impeccable taste and respectability, past a star path 250 years long.

The story of the legendary drink

The origin of the noble drink is obligedIrishman Richard Hennessy. As captain of one of the battalions of the army of Louis XV, he was wounded in battle and was sent for treatment at the hospital. By the will of fate, he ended up near the town of Cognac, famous at that time producing magic brandy, which, according to local residents, could even bring a hopelessly ill person to their feet. Wonderful taste made an indelible impression on Richard, inspiring to create a similar drink. However, he did not succeed in immediately implementing his plans - the service was waiting for the officer. And the birth of Hennessy (cognac) was postponed indefinitely.

Hennessy Cognac

In 1765, having earned the title of retired captain,Richard returned to Cognac and founded a small brandy company. Taking advantage of a temporary shortage of whiskey, he organized supplies first to the Emerald Isle, and then throughout Britain. Over time, the taste of brandy appreciated in France. Deserving the appreciation of Louis XV, Hennessy's brainchild reached the shores of the United States, Russia, Australia and China. Soon his fame spread throughout the world and found a response from millions of alcoholic gourmands. In 1813, the son of Richard Jacques patented the Jas Hennessy & Co brand, under the auspices of which the legendary cognac is still produced.

Star classification

Today, the brand Hennessy, whose brandy setsthe tone of the entire alcohol industry is world famous. The secret of his success is in special production technologies and in the will to win, which are passed from generation to generation, from father to son.

In 1865in order to combat counterfeiting, brandy, initially sold in barrels, was first supplied in bottles. At the same time, the cult form of the bottle was invented, resembling a bunch of grapes. At the same time, Maurice Hennessey invented the legendary stellar classification of blends, the number of which determined the age of brandy alcohol. The number of stars indicated the minimum duration of exposure. So, Hennessy Very Special received three stars, and Hennessy VCOP - four.

Hennessy versatility

Hennessey is marketed in severalcategories, distinguished by aging, cost and taste. The basic blends include: the most famous cognac Hennessy XO (reviews are confirmation), Hennessy VS, Hennessy VSOP. The more expensive ones are the Hennessy Paradis and Richard Hennessy. The highest level is occupied by collectible representatives of the brand: Hennessy Timeless, Hennessy Ellipse, Hennessy Private Reserve, the price of which can reach 700-800 thousand rubles.

Hennessey VS (Very Special)

Это самый востребованный коньяк в мире со сроком excerpts more than two years. It is distinguished by a sparkling amber color and a soft, velvety taste, rich in floral, oak and nut shades. Finishes the range of sensations expressive vanilla aftertaste. The cost of a bottle of 0.7 liters - 800-1000 rubles.

cognac hennessy xo reviews

Hennessy VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale)

Light amber drink with a multi-faceted palettetaste: a wave of vanilla, cinnamon and cloves, followed by a slight taste of smoke, which is immediately replaced by honey and grape notes, ending in an avalanche aftertaste with the participation of almonds and fruits. Hennessy VSOP Cognac is made from 60 types of alcohol, which has a age of 6-12 years. The price of the drink is 2-3 thousand rubles (0.5 l).

Hennessy cognac vsop

Hennessy XO (Extra Old)

Cognac in this category can be calledmasterpiece of the alcohol industry. It is based on a combination of one hundred types of alcohol, each extract of which has not less than 20 years. The drink is distinguished by a deep amber-red color and perfectly balanced taste, in which there is nothing superfluous, intrusive - only notes of cinnamon and oak, the strength of which is softened by shades of dried fruits, flowers and cocoa. Finishes the avalanche of feelings long, spicy aftertaste. Buy Hennessy XO Cognac 0.5 liters. possible for 12-13 thousand rubles.

Hennessy Cognac xo 0 5

How to drink

Cognac taken to drink slowly, leisurely,enjoying every sip, rich palette of taste and pleasant aroma. It is for this reason that the noble drink is served in a special dish - snifters (from the English word sniff - sniff). The snifter has the shape of a wide glass on a short stem, tapering sharply upwards. Dishes gives you the opportunity to fully enjoy the smell of elite alcohol. Hennessy (cognac) is consumed slowly, warming the glass with the warmth of a hand, from which reveals the entire bouquet of its luxurious aroma. A good brandy does not usually bite, although in the entire history of its existence, the drink has acquired national characteristics of use. So, the Russian people used to jam it with lemon or chocolate, while the French developed a rule of three "C" (Cafe, Cognac, Cigare) - coffee, brandy, cigar.

Hennessy Cognac: How to distinguish a fake

To protect yourself from buying fake famous drink, you need to know some rules:

  • The color of this “Hennessey” is rich and amber, while its pirate counterpart resembles in appearance tea with lemon.
  • The shape of the bottle of the true offspring of R. Hennessy is wide, with a bellied base.
    Hennessy cognac how to distinguish a fake
  • On the original bottle, a special mark of the brand - grapes and leaves of grapes - is engraved. It is applied under the sticker, on which is indicated the period of exposure.
  • The brand name is engraved at the bottom of the bottle of real Hennessy cognac, whereas you will not find such an inscription on the fake.
  • Pay attention to the cork. It should bear the name of the brand, the logo and the degree of exposure. Cognac, on a cork which is missing at least one of these elements - fake.

Use only the original Hennessy cognac. How to distinguish a fake, we told you. And having tasted the taste of true “Hennessey”, you will become its fan for a long time!