What else do you need than a nice drink to kickstart the weekend? It’s twice the fun when it is Hennessy you’ve got in that glass! As Rolex is for watch lovers, Hennessy is for alcohol fanatics! Be it the quality of Hennessy or its packaging, everything about it is just top class! But if you’ve never had a sip of it, you must be wondering what Hennessy tastes like?
Hennessy has a rich taste of brandy and is filled with pleasant flavors. Since it is grape-based, this drink has somewhat of a fruity taste along with mild spicy notes. The taste of Hennessy depends on what variety of Hennessy you have in mind. Each variety differs in age and price, and hence, it differs in taste as well.
Founded in 1765, Hennessy is one of the most popular cognac houses and is also the largest producer of cognac in the world. Hennessy has its headquarters in “Cognac”, France. Coincidence? I think not! This brand of cognac is the most luxurious ones in the business, and the higher the price, the richer the taste becomes!
You can drink Hennessy either as a standalone drink on the rocks or add it to cocktails and stir things up! But what does Hennessy taste like? How is it made? What nutrients does it have? Keep on reading to know all about it in detail!
What's In The Post
What Is Hennessy?
You must’ve heard the word Hennessy being used in several songs or related to luxurious things. But what exactly is it? The word that everybody uses to define class, top tier things, etc., holds up so much meaning. (Along with a lot of cash *wink*)
Hennessy is a French cognac production brand. This brand sells around 70 million bottles annually and is the largest producer of cognac in the world. Hennessy prices range from $17.99 to $14,000, depending upon what kind you’re buying.
How Is Hennessy Made?
Hennessy makes its drinks according to certain standards set by a protected appellation of origin for being labeled as cognac. These standards include that the grapes used in making the cognac should be grown and harvested in Cognac, France.
Hennessy makes its cognac by mechanically harvesting Ugni white grapes. The grape juice extracted from these grapes is then fermented to form wine. This wine is then converted into Eaux-de-vie after getting double distilled by the usage of traditional Charentais copper alembic stills.
After double distillation, this spirit is aged in wood casks and blended to finally form cognac. The cognac produced goes through rotation in wooden barrels while it ages. Tastings are done every day to test the Eaux-de-vie while it matures. The blended cognac is then rested for a certain amount of time and finally bottled.
What Does Hennessy Taste Like?
Every Hennessy bottle has a different tasting liquor stored in it. Each bottle is differentiated by a set of alphabets. These alphabets determine the price, taste and age of the liquor stored in the bottles. The taste of each Hennessy cognac differs because of the variation in the Eaux-de-vie blend mixed in them.
Hennessy has a rich taste. It is fruity in taste and also gives off somewhat of a floral flavor. It tastes a bit like burnt wine, which is settled by a certain oaky flavor. Hennessy cognac also contains undertones of specific spices, chocolate and vanilla. Made with grapes, Hennessy has a sweet and citrusy flavor to it which is balanced by other ingredients.
Overall, Hennessy is said to have a bold and rich taste, one that is unbeatable. Smooth in texture, Hennessy cognac has the right consistency and balance of flavor, which every drink requires.
Does Hennessy Taste Good?
Since Hennessy is so talked about and is one of the most popular Cognac brands out there, you might be wondering whether or not Hennessy tastes good. Well, let me tell you all about it!
Not only can you drink Hennessy straight but you can also relish in its deliciousness! It features mildly spicy and fruity flavors. Some of these include cinnamon, caramel and vanilla, the reason why Hennessy tastes as good as it does! It has a floral scent and is best drunk straight after you put it into the brandy snifter.
What Does Hennessy Taste Similar To?
While Hennessy is a drink like no other, to describe its taste, one might need to compare find the similarities between Hennessy’s and other drinks’ taste. So, what does Hennessy taste similar to?
Hennessy tastes similar to classic brandy. It features floral and fruity flavors along with subtle vanilla notes, along with hints of spice and chocolate. Hennessy also tastes similar to burnt wine due to its sweet fruity taste, mellowed and mixed with undertones of oak.
Does Hennessy Taste Sweet?
Hennessy is mildly sweet in taste. Although there are several flavors of Hennessy, which differ in taste, all of them contain a certain amount of sweetness. Due to the ageing process of this cognac in barrels, Hennessy’s taste is sweet and features hints of woodiness, along with undertones of spices.
11 Different Types Of Hennessy And Their Different Taste
Hennessy is known for the variety of cognac it offers to its customers. If you’re looking to buy a bottle of Hennessy for yourself, you must be familiar with its types. But before we get to that, let’s see how the various types of Hennessy are differentiated.
Hennessy puts in use the classic cognac grading system to grade its cognac on the basis of age. V.S. stands for “very special” and is at least 2 years old. V.S.O.P. stands for “very superior old pale” and is at least 4 years old. Lastly, X.O. stands for “extra old” and is at least 10 years old.
The 11 different types of Hennessy cognacs, according to the official website of Hennessy, are as follows:-
- Hennessy V.S
- Hennessy Black
- Hennessy Classivm
- Hennessy Pure White
- Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilége
- Hennessy Master Blender’s Selection N°4
- James Hennessy
- Hennessy X.O
- Hennessy X.X.O
- Hennessy Paradis
- Richard Hennessy
1. Hennessy V.S
Hennessy V.S. has a vanilla taste with a certain oakiness to it. Having a toasted flavor, it also contains dominant notes of apple along with grapes. The spices used in making this cognac can make it taste quite bold. This works well when you mix it with other drinks and make a cocktail out of it! A 750 ml bottle of Hennessy V.S costs around $33.99 – $38.99.
Hennessy V.S. is the one of the most famous types of Hennessy. One of its kind, Hennessy V.S. undergoes maturation in oak barrels, making it fragrant and delicious. Having hues of amber, this cognac is a treat not only for the tongue but also for the eyes. Perfect for cocktail nights, buy one for yourself and enter the world of Hennessy goodness!
2. Hennessy Black
Hennessy Black has a floral taste followed by notes of citrusy orange and sweet honey. Being a blend of delicate flavors, Hennessy Black is one of the smoothest cognacs. A 750 ml bottle of Hennessy Black costs around $39.99 – $46.99
Hennessy Black is made using Ugni Blanc grapes and matured in oak barrels. This pale gold-colored cognac is packaged in a beautiful black bell-shaped bottle. Hennessy Black is a treat to relish on the weekends! With a Hennessy Black in your hands, you’ll never have a dull moment!
3. Hennessy Classivm
Hennessy Classivm tastes like a perfectly balanced blend of fresh mint, white pepper, juniper berry and licorice. It also has a certain spiciness to it and is overall full of rich flavors.
Hennessy Classivm is made from the combination of spicy notes and strong flavors of Eaux-de-vie. This gorgeous light amber-colored cognac works well with green tea or a bit of lemon if preferred.
4. Hennessy Pure White
Hennessy Pure White has a fresh and clean taste to it. It contains notes of fresh fruits, like pears, apples, etc., and flowers, making it a well-rounded drink. If spring was a drink, it would be Hennessy Pure White! A 750 ml bottle of Hennessy Pure White costs $94.99 – $139.99.
Hennessy Pure White features the tasty flavors of the delicious white wines from which it is distilled. Hennessy Pure White works perfectly well with nectar or juice. Having a straw gold color, this cognac is nothing less than pure gold!
5. Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilége
Hennessy V.S.O.P. Privilége has a sweet and spicy taste. It features the flavors of vanilla, candied fruit, cinnamon, spicy oak and crystallized ginger. This drink is the perfect blend of great flavor and smooth texture. A 750 ml bottle of Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilége costs $51.99 – $58.99.
Hennessy V.S.O.P. Privilége is a perfect blend of more than 60 eaux-de-vie. This drink is described as “a difficult cognac to produce” by one of Hennessy’s members. Drink it neat or in a cocktail, and it is certain to bring nothing but deliciousness to you!
6. Hennessy Master Blender’s Selection N°4
Hennessy Master Blender’s Selection N°4 has a warm, fruity taste. It is filled with the goodness of flavors of apricots, fruity spices and orange peels, which have been candied. A 750 ml bottle of Hennessy Master Blender’s Selection N°4 is priced at $89.99-$109.99.
Hennessy Master Blender’s Selection N°4 was created using more than 5 years old Eaux-de-vie, which were matured in French oak barrels. This cognac tastes best when consumed as a neat drink. You can even drink it over the rocks but don’t try to drink it in a way that would alter the cognac’s original structure.
7. James Hennessy
James Hennessy has a silky and toasty taste. You can taste notes of roasted almonds and blood peaches, making up the perfect combination of flavors. Incredibly smooth in texture, this cognac has an overall smoky aroma. A 750 ml bottle of James Hennessy costs $212.99-$399.99.
James Hennessy is packaged in a beautiful teardrop-shaped bottle. Released in honor of Hennessy’s 250th anniversary, this cognac is among the best of the brand. You can taste it best neat or over the rocks.
8. Hennessy X.O
Hennessy X.O has a warm and sweet taste. It features an immaculate blend of the flavors of candied fruits, spices, dark chocolates, vanilla and oak. This drink is perfectly well-rounded with a blend of about 100 Eaux-de-vie. A 750 ml bottle of Hennessy X.O is priced from $199.99 – $229.99.
Hennessy X.O is thick and smooth in texture. This cognac is like a warm explosion of flavors in your mouth and its aftertaste is like no other. Released in 1870, Hennessy X.O is a sight to bear and a cognac to drink!
9. Hennessy X.X.O
Hennessy X.X.O has a rich taste with an expressive blend of flavors. It contains the bitterness of orange and grated nutmeg, along with dried peppermint leaves, licorice sticks and spices. A 750 ml bottle of Hennessy X.X.O is priced at $714.99-$999.99.
Hennessy X.X.O was created at the same time as Hennessy X.O. It is one of the most luxurious cognacs and is packed with delicate flavors. Being a unique cognac, Hennessy X.O should be enjoyed in a way by which you’re able to appreciate the delicacy of its flavors.
10. Hennessy Paradis
Hennessy Paradis has a fruity and floral taste. It has a certain lightness to it as well. Silky in texture, this cognac features spicy notes, which are balanced by the aroma of dried flowers. A 750 ml bottle of Hennessy Paradis is priced at $799.99 – $999.99.
Hennessy Paradis is described as “supple, light and round” by the brand itself. This cognac contains flavors of butterscotch, apricots, cloves, apple, cinnamon, etc. Hennessy Paradis is a result of fine aging and an immaculate balance of flavors.
11. Richard Hennessy
Richard Hennessy has a thick and fruity taste. It contains the goodness of fruits, spices and oak blended together, resulting in a perfect cognac. It is a masterpiece of a drink created in honor of Richard Hennessy. A 750 ml bottle of Richard Hennessy is priced at $3799.99 – $5499.99.
Richard Hennessy is “visionary, complex and unapologetically intense”, as described by Hennessy’s official website. This cognac has rare flavors which are a luxury on their own. Richard Hennessy is one of the most delicious cognacs and you definitely need to try it!
Hennessy’s Taste Compared To Other Alcohols
Hennessy is often compared with other alcohols, in terms of its flavor and even appearance. Given below is the comparison of Hennessy’s taste with other alcohols. Give it a read!
1. Bourbon
Hennessy doesn’t taste similar to bourbon. While both of these are stored in oak barrels, which define their taste to a great extent, Hennessy and bourbon are nowhere close to having a similar taste. Hennessy is made using grapes and features fruity, spicy and floral notes of flavor. On the other hand, bourbon is made using malted barley, rye and corn.
Due to the difference between their ingredients and distillation process, Hennessy and bourbon differ greatly in taste.
2. Jack Daniels
Hennessy is far from tasting the same as Jack Daniels. Hennessy gets its base flavor from fermented grapes while Jack Daniels derives its foundational taste from barley and corn. The sweetness in Hennessy is mild and subtle but Jack Daniels is really sweet in taste.
3. Whiskey
Hennessy Cognac doesn’t taste the same as Whiskey, it doesn’t even come close. While Hennessy Cognac is derived and made using grapes, whiskey is made out of barley and wheat. The only thing that is similar between Hennessy Cognac and whiskey is that both of these spirits are aged in oak barrels and are distilled.
Another difference is that you can’t take shots of Hennessy Cognac but of whiskey, you can go all out. Hennessy Cognac is a rich flavored spirit and should be enjoyed sip by sip and slowly.
4. Rum
Hennessy and rum vary greatly in taste. Since rum is directly distilled using sugar, it has a dominant sweet taste, somewhat similar to that of toasted sugar. Whereas, Hennessy isn’t as sweet as rum. Hennessy has a slightly sweet taste along with floral, fruity and wooden notes of flavor.
Factors Affecting The Taste Of Hennessy
There are mainly two important factors affecting the taste of Hennessy. These are the forty distillation process and French oak barrel, in which the ageing of Hennessy is done. Both of these factors are explained below. Take a look!
1. Forty Distillation Process
Hennessy undergoes several processes before ending up in a sleek bottle which you buy from the market. This cognac is a result of the distillation of wine, for concentrated alcohol, in pot stills. This affects the taste of Hennessy as it makes it stronger in flavor and increases the dry oaky flavor of the cognac. The distillation process of Hennessy enhances the overall flavor of the cognac.
2. French Oak Barrel
You might be thinking why, after every few lines, there’s a mention of ageing of Hennessy in oak barrels. Well, it’s because it highly affects the taste of Hennessy. It is usually aged, for a minimum of two years, in French Limousin oak. The cognac then develops the sweetness of its aroma while staying in the cask. The longer the Hennessy is aged, the drier would its taste be.
The Right Way To Drink Hennessy
There’s a right way to do everything, whether you agree or not. Following that statement, there’s also a right way to drink Hennessy. Yes, you heard that right! Something as fancy and luxurious as Hennessy should be consumed in the best way possible, don’t you think?
You can drink Hennessy straight from the bottle. For a finer experience, use a brandy snifter. This allows you to enjoy the intoxicating aroma of the cognac before you take a sip of it. You can also drop in some ice cubes and pour the cognac over them. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, you should go for the Hennessy Black.
Hennessy Black is the best cognac for making cocktails; even the brand says so itself. It blends well with other drinks and is perfect for getting a gulp of after a stressful day. Hennessy V.S. is also a great cognac when it comes to using it in cocktails. Its bold flavors can be effortlessly tamed when mixed with other drinks.
How To Store A Bottle Of Hennessy For The Best Taste?
Buying a bottle of Hennessy Cognac is no less than an investment and that is why it becomes important to store it the right way, so you can indulge in its goodness anytime you want!
Hennessy suggests storing its Cognac in the following way, “A bottle of cognac, unlike wine, should always be kept upright, be it opened or unopened. The reason for a bottle of cognac to be kept upright is that the eventual contact with the cork is likely to affect the cognac. The aging process of cognac stops the moment it is transferred out of the wooden casks and into the bottle.”
“Store your bottle in a dark place and also, keep your bottle at room temperature, avoiding extremes of heat and cold. A bottle of cognac can be kept in such conditions for many years without suffering any alteration in the quality of its contents.”
“The content of an old bottle of cognac, which has been resting untouched for many years, will likely be of the same quality as the day it was bottled, as long as the bottle was kept upright. You must be careful upon opening the bottle, in order not to deteriorate the cork.”
Nutritional Content Of Hennessy
Nutrition is a luxury that most people forget to focus on. So, what more could you ask for if you get nutrition in your bottle of Hennessy? Luxury overload, isn’t it?
Hennessy, when consumed in moderate amounts, is actually quite healthy and beneficial for your body. Hennessy helps in increasing the antioxidant levels of your body. It also helps in protecting your cells and promotes cell growth while also keeping your heart healthy. Hennessy also improves blood circulation and prevents blood from clotting.
Given below is a table of various nutrients and their amounts contained in Hennessy cognac. Take a look!
| Nutrients | Amount (Serving size – 1oz) |
| Calories | 69 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17 grams |
| Fat | 0 gram |
| Protein | 0 gram |
| Sodium | 0 gram |
Conclusion
Hennessy has a rich taste with different ingredients blended together. By offering 11 different types of cognac, Hennessy makes use of flavors like woody, smoky, floral, fruity, etc. Not only that but Hennessy also offers various health benefits to the person consuming it. All in all, there’s no luxury like Hennessy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Hennessy?
Hennessy is a cognac brand. It is one of the four biggest cognac houses in the world.
What does Hennessy taste like?
Hennessy has a rich taste, along with fruity and floral notes. It also has spices, vanilla, chocolate, etc., which helps accentuate its overall flavor.
How do you drink Hennessy?
Hennessy can be drunk however you want, depending on your preference. You can drink it neat, on the rocks, or even stir up some cocktails with it.
What are all the different flavors of Hennessy?
Hennessy has a total of 11 flavors. These are Hennessy V.S, Hennessy Black, Hennessy Classivm, Hennessy Pure White, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilége, Hennessy Master Blender’s Selection N°4, James Hennessy, Hennessy X.O, Hennessy X.X.O, Hennessy Paradis and Richard Hennessy.
Is Hennessy healthy for you?
Hennessy can be healthy for you if consumed in moderate amounts. These include promoting and improving cell growth, improving blood circulation, improving heart health, etc.
