Hennessy whisky is a household name when it comes to premium spirits. Unlike Hennessy’s classification as whisky, it is actually a Cognac—a brandy produced in the region of France called Cognac. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know, including Hennessy’s latest pricing, tasting notes, variants, global and local availability, cocktail suggestions, and more.
Table of Contents
History of Hennessy Whisky
Richard Hennessy founded the company in 1765 and, serving in the French army, spurred the company forward by producing high-quality cognac. The Hennessy brand was one of the first to make a name in the region of Cognac,France,e by being a symbol of luxury, refinement, and prestige.
Through the years, LVMH acquired Hennessy, making them the largest producer of cognac with exports to over 130 countries.
Fun Fact: Hennessy accounts for nearly 50% of the world’s Cognac production.
Tasting Notes of Hennessy whisky
- Fruity with hints of floral elements and citrus combined with apple.
- Slight oak and spice.
- Strong commands of vanilla accompanied by toasted oak and almonds.
- Full-bodied and smooth texture.
- Medium to long warm finish.
- A balance of spiciness and sweetness.
Different Options of Hennessy whisky
Hennessy offers a range of expressions, each crafted for different levels of connoisseurship and budget.
| Variant | Age/Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hennessy V.S | Very Special | Bold, youthful, ideal for cocktails |
| Hennessy V.S.O.P | Very Superior Old Pale | Smooth, complex, balanced |
| Hennessy X.O | Extra Old | Rich, layered, perfect for sipping |
| Hennessy Paradis | Ultra-Premium | Elegant, floral, and incredibly smooth |
| Richard Hennessy | Prestige Blend | Rare, luxurious, aged up to 200 years |
Hennessy Price in India and Major States (750 ml)
Prices of Hennessy in India vary by state due to local taxes. Here’s an estimated range.
| State/City | Hennessy V.S | Hennessy V.S.O.P | Hennessy X.O |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹5,000 – ₹6,500 | ₹9,500–₹11,000 | ₹5,000–₹6,500 |
| Mumbai (Maharashtra) | ₹29,000–₹32,000 | ₹10,500 – ₹12,000 | ₹6,200–₹7,000 |
| Bangalore (Karnataka) | ₹6,800 – ₹7,500 | ₹31,000–₹34,000 | ₹11,500–₹13,000 |
| Hyderabad (Telangana) | ₹32,000–₹35,000 | ₹6,200–₹7,000 | ₹30,000 – ₹33,000 |
| Kolkata (W. Bengal) | ₹5,800 – ₹6,800 | ₹10,000–₹12,000 | ₹10,000–₹11,500 |
| Duty-Free India | ₹3,800 – ₹4,500 | ₹29,500–₹32,500 | ₹7,500–₹9,000 |
Hennessy Price by Country
Here’s a quick comparison of Hennessy pricing globally (approximate for Hennessy V.S., 750 ml).
| Country | Price in Local Currency | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $40 – $50 | $40–$50 |
| United Kingdom | $40–$50 | £35–£45 |
| UAE (Duty-Free) | AED 150 – AED 180 | $45–$55 |
| Singapore | SGD 70 – SGD 90 | $40–$50 |
| France | $50–$65 | €35–€45 |
| Australia | AUD 80 – AUD 100 | $38–$50 |
Ways of Preparing Hennessy Cocktails
Apart from being a delight to sip on, Hennessy can make wonderful cocktails such as the ones provided below.
Hennessy Ginger
- 50 ml Hennessy V.S
- Ginger ale
- garnish: Lime wedge
Hennessy Sidecar
- 50 ml Hennessy V.S.O.P
- 25 ml Triple Sec
- 20ml Lemon juice
- 25ml Lemon juice
- sugar rim (optional)
Hennessy Old Fashioned
- 60 ml Hennessy X.O
- 1 sugar cube
- 1 dash of Angostura bitters
- twisted orange peel for garnish
FAQs
Q1: Is Hennessy a whiskey?
A: No, Hennessy is a Cognac, which is a brandy produced in the Cognac region of France from grapes.
Q2: What is the price of Hennessy in India?
A: Priced at ₹5,000, Hennessy V.S. can reach up to ₹35,000 priced at premium variants like X.O.
Q3: Which Hennessy is best for beginners?
A: Best for beginners is Hennessy V.S because it is smooth, youthful, and easy to mix.