2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14
Hennessy is the most famous and best-selling cognac in the world. It is sold in more than 100 countries, and its annual production turnover reaches about 50 million bottles. The popular brand presents connoisseurs of elite alcohol with an impressive range of inexpensive drinks, affordable basic 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, which has passed the stellar path of 250 years.
The story of the legendary drink
The noble drink owes its origin to the Irishman Richard Hennessy. Being the captain of one of the battalions of the army of Louis XV, he was wounded in battle and was sent to the hospital for treatment. By the will of fate, he ended up near the city of Cognac, famous at that time for the production of magic brandy, which, according to local residents, could put even a hopelessly ill person on his feet. The wonderful taste made an indelible impression on Richard, inspiring him to create a similar drink. However, immediately turnplans in life he failed - the officer was waiting for the service. And the birth of Hennessy (cognac) has been pushed back indefinitely.
In 1765, having earned the rank of retired captain, Richard returned to Cognac and founded a small cognac company. Taking advantage of a temporary shortage of whiskey, he organized deliveries first to the Emerald Isle, and then throughout Britain. Over time, the taste of cognac was appreciated in France. Deserving the high praise of Louis XV, the brainchild of Hennessy reached the shores of the United States, Russia, Australia and China. Soon his fame spread throughout the world and resonated with millions of alcoholic gourmets. In 1813, Richard's son Jacques patented the brand Jas Hennessy & Co, under whose auspices the legendary cognac is produced to this day.
Star classification
Today, the Hennessy brand, whose cognac sets the tone for the entire alcohol industry, is known throughout the world. The secret of his success is in the special production technologies and in the will to win, which are passed down from generation to generation, from father to son.
In 1865, in order to combat counterfeiting, cognac, originally sold in barrels, was first supplied in bottles. At the same time, the iconic shape of the bottle was invented, resembling a bunch of grapes in outline. At the same time, Maurice Hennessy invented the legendary star classification of blends, by the number of which the age of cognac spirit was determined. The number of stars indicated the minimum exposure time. So, Hennessy Very Special got three stars, and Hennessy VCOP got four.
VersatilityHennessy
Hennesy is available on the market in several categories, distinguished by aging time, cost and taste. The basic blends include: the most famous cognac Hennessy XO (reviews confirm this), Hennessy VS, Hennessy VSOP. For more expensive - Hennessy Paradis and Richard Hennessy. The highest level is occupied by collection representatives of the brand: Hennessy Timeless, Hennessy Ellipse, Hennessy Private Reserve, the price of which can reach 700-800 thousand rubles.
Hennesy VS (Very Special)
This is the world's most sought-after cognac, aged for over two years. It is distinguished by a sparkling amber color and a soft, velvety taste, rich in floral, oak and nutty tones. An expressive vanilla aftertaste completes the range of sensations. The cost of a bottle of 0.7 liters is 800-1000 rubles.
Hennessy VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale)
A light amber drink with a multifaceted palette of tastes: a wave of vanilla, cinnamon and cloves is followed by a slight smack of smoke, which is immediately replaced by honey and grape notes, ending in an avalanche of aftertaste with the participation of almonds and fruits. Cognac Hennessy VSOP is made from 60 types of alcohol, which are 6-12 years old. The price of the drink is 2-3 thousand rubles (0.5 l).
Hennesy XO (Extra Old)
Cognac of this category can be safely called a masterpiece of the alcohol industry. It is based on a combination of one hundred types of alcohol, each of which has been aged for at least 20 years. The drink distinguishesdeep 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 hints of dried fruits, flowers and cocoa. The avalanche of feelings ends with a long, spicy aftertaste. Buy cognac Hennessy XO 0.5 l. you can for 12-13 thousand rubles.
How to drink
Cognac is usually drunk slowly, leisurely, enjoying every sip, rich palette of taste and pleasant aroma. It is for this reason that the noble drink is served in special dishes - snifters (from the English word sniff - sniff). Snifter has the shape of a wide glass on a short stem, sharply tapering upwards. Dishes make it possible to fully enjoy the smell of elite alcohol. Hennessy (cognac) is consumed slowly, warming the glass with the warmth of the hand, from which the whole bouquet of its luxurious aroma is revealed. Good cognac is usually not eaten, although throughout the history of its existence, the drink has acquired national characteristics of consumption. So, the Russian people are used to seizing it with lemon or chocolate, while the French developed the rule of three "C" (Cafe, Cognac, Cigare) - coffee, cognac, cigar.
Hennessy cognac: how to distinguish a fake
To protect yourself from buying a fake of the famous drink, you need to know some rules:
- The color of real Hennessy is rich, amber, while its pirate counterpart resembles tea with lemon in appearance.
-
The shape of the bottle of the true brainchild of R. Hennessy is wide, with a pot-bellied base.
cognac Hennessy how to distinguish a fake - The original bottle is engraved with a special sign of the brand - bunches and leaves of grapes. It is also applied under the sticker on which the exposure time is indicated.
- The brand name is engraved on the bottom of a bottle of real Hennessy Cognac, while you will not find such an inscription on a fake.
- Pay attention to the cork. It must bear the name of the brand, the logo and the degree of exposure. Cognac, on the cork of which at least one of these elements is missing is fake.
Use only original Hennessy Cognac. How to distinguish a fake, we told you. And once you taste the real Hennessy, you'll be a fan for a long time!
Recommended:
Coffee strength: classification, description and types, degree of roast, taste
This article talks about varieties and types of coffee, roast levels, brewing methods. It describes in detail what factors determine the strength of coffee, its saturation and aroma. The material will help connoisseurs of coffee drinks to choose their only type of coffee, with unique taste characteristics
Types and varieties of sausages: classification, taste characteristics and compliance with GOST requirements
Today there is a huge number of various types and varieties: boiled, raw-smoked and boiled-smoked sausages. They differ not only in the method of processing, but also in the type and composition of raw materials, in the pattern of minced meat on the cut and type of shell, in nutritional value and quality, which, in turn, is determined by the color, taste and smell of the product
Curry powder: taste, type, classification, benefits and harms, delicious recipes and seasoning photos
Curry is a spice from India. It contains several ingredients. Curry can be used to cook many dishes
Tuscan wines: rating of the best, types, classification, taste, composition, approximate price and drinking rules
The mountainous area is known for its wide-ranging hills with plantations owned by farmers. Tuscany, whose capital is the city of Florence, is famous for its vineyards and Tuscan wines. Here, the largest areas are allocated for plantations compared to other regions
Classification of cognac. Classification of Russian and French cognacs
Classification of cognac, depending on the place of its production, quality, blending can be very diverse. In this article, we will consider this issue in detail
