Hennessy Cognac House
One of the biggest and most prestigious old Cognac brands
The history of the House of Hennessy begins in 1765 with Richard Hennessy, the youngest son of Lord Ballymacmoy. Young Irish arrived in France to join the army of King Louis XV in his fight against the English, he discovered the Cognac when sent to garrison on the Ile de Ré. Having developed a passion for Cognac, he decided at the end of his service to the king to stay in the region and to engage with two friends of his uncle, a merchant in Ostend trade Eaux-de-vie between France, England and Ireland. As his business was flourishing, he decided to acquire land in the idea of producing his own Cognac and built his first winery. A project that he developed with success since 1794, only 18 years later, he began to export its production to the United States. Richard Hennessy died in 1800 leaving his son at the head of the house of Cognac.
In 1817, the Prince of Wales, who would become the future George IV, asked the family Hennessy him create a custom Cognac which would be “an excellent water pale old life “, translated by Very Superior Old Pale. It was one of the first to use the term Cognac VSOP.
After that, Cognacs Hennessy saw their reputation grow (Europe, USA, Russia, India, Australia, China, Malaysia … ). Thus, at the end of the nineteenth century Cognacs Hennessy were distributed in dozens of countries across five continents.
In 1818, at the request of the Empress, mother of Tsar Alexander 1 the Russian Hennessy Paradis Imperial Cognac created. Cognac premium, which at the time had been specially assembled with the subject of the family. Finesse and elegance still surviving to time, this Cognac is still produced in small quantities from a hundred old Eaux-de-vie of more than fifty years.
By the early 1860s, Hennessy makes regular shipments to China and then to Japan, opening the way to markets no Cognac house had dared explore.
The brand will remain completely in the hands of the Hennessy family until 1971. Date when a first approximation with the Champagne house Moët & Chandon was operated . Of this association the born Moët-Hennessy group was born. 1987 held a reconciliation between Moët-Hennessy and Louis Vuitton to form LVMH, Bernard Arnault which becomes the majority shareholder in 1989.
Where does the emblem of Hennessy comes from ?
The emblem of the Hennessy representing an armed wing is based on the ancient arms of the founding family.
These arms were in the Hennessy family for several generations and even before Richard Hennessy. Although its origin is difficult to trace, it probably refers to exploits. The sword arm is a strong military symbol but also conviction and determination.
For the anecdote on the crest of Hennessy also includes passing a pig (boar), a crest and the armed wing surmounting all.
What is the signature of the Hennessy Cognac House ?
” We focus on producing quality and elegance. Each Cognac our range is different. Individuals must make the journey to learn to love, and enjoy the Cognac As they may fully enjoy superior qualities.
Distilled on the lees which is more complicated because you have to master the risk of having a rhymed taste (burned), but allows for more fruity aromas , more focused and persistent in the mouth. Our Eaux- de-vie aged in Limousin oak barrels. They provide fat and little notes of vanilla. They make notes while subtlety. ” (Olivier Paultes)
Focus on Olivier Paultes, Director of Hennessy distilleries and member of the Hennessy Tasting Committee
Olivier Paultes is a real enthusiast Cognac, small son and great grand son of Cellar master he bathed in the world of Cognac from his earliest childhood. It is therefore natural that he devoted his life to this famous Eaux-de-vie.
Today it is recognized in the region to be one of the best nose and Cognac Master Blender. Some have even given him the nickname « Mozart of the Cognac blend ».
Vidéo Fr & En
“I was born in Cognac. My father and mother worked in Cognac, my father was Maitre de Chai. When I was younger, I worked regularly in the vineyard, I got to put some money in my pockey. Of course, I always tasted the grapes or Cognac. This time I remembered two things. The smell of Cognacs when my father and my grandfather worked and the winter with my friends whose parents were distillers. We slept in the distillery and we distillions trying to do the best possible. They are the ones who gave me the passion of Cognac. I also remember as a kid, I looked forward to my ‘ Canard ‘ (sugar / Cognac)
Then I traveled a lot. Everywhere I went there in the world, when I explained that I just Cognac people want to know more, want to talk about Cognac.
I started my career in the Frapin Cognac House. After many years in this house as Cellar Master, I wanted to get into another adventure, create my brand. So I resigned.
A few days later I received a call from Hennessy offering me to come work for them, by creating a custom item according to my wishes. I agreed and started working here in September 2011.
I am part of the tasting committee and am the Director of Hennessy distilleries. The Tasting Committee is a group of master assembler, and eight nose. It meets regularly for 100 years to ensure the quality, taste and continuity of Hennessy Cognac. What pleases me and convinced me to come work for Hennessy, is that it is the quality that is paramount, not quantity.
My passion is the distillation because I find it mysterious and exciting. It is a constant questioning, a daily challenge. Cognac is a world of tradition, transmission, luxury, sophistication, passion and elegance. There is a Cognac for every moment, every emotion. What I like with the Cognac is that when it rains you put your nose in it and it is the sun , the journey.” (Olivier Paultes)
Side anecdote :
The Cognac XO, ” L’Original ” is the flagship Cognac of Hennessy. It was devised in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy for his friends and his family. It is made from a blend of a hundred Eaux-de-vie aged for over 30 years and from appellation of Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, Bons Bois, Fin Bois and Borderies. It is as much known for its brand, taste the legendary bottle unchanged since 1947.
Thanks to Olivier Paultes for his hospitality.
Jonathan Choukroun Chicheportiche
