Hennessy: Timeless perfection

Way back in 1765, Richard Hennessy, an Irish officer in the French army of Louis XV, had a dream: to create the world’s finest Cognac. Today, 250 years later, the Cognac house that he founded is known and loved around the globe: Hennessy Cognac.

One man’s passion has turned into an extraordinary legacy, kept alive through seven generations of the same family, who are continually innovating in search of quality. Their search for excellence has resulted in a collection of exquisite Cognacs, beginning with the flagship Hennessy X.O, which was originally created for the Hennessy family to enjoy but proved so popular that they officially released it in 1870, creating the X.O category. More recently, Paradis Imperial launched in 2011, recreating the exclusive blend commissioned in 1818 for the future Tsar Alexander I as a present from his mother.

To pay tribute to these achievements in its 250th anniversary year, Hennessy has created a new release. The 250 Collector Blend is made from eaux-de-vie selected, matured and blended by master blender Yann Fillioux across his unparalleled 50-year career. Chosen for their expressive aromatics and rich, elegant taste, these special eaux-de-vie ensure that the final Cognac is perfectly balanced between power and grace.

Hennessy cognac 250th anniversary Square Meal bars London The Blue bar at the Berkeley Booking Office Old Tom & English

From the cellar

“Our Collector’s Blend has been created with the utmost precision and expertise – it is an expression of absolute perfectionism and a tribute from the present members of Hennessy’s unique Tasting Committee to their predecessors,” says Fillioux.

Just 250 barrels of this anniversary Cognac have been made, each holding 250 litres. Smaller than the standard barrels used by Hennessy, this bespoke size imparts more wood influence to the finished Cognac, helping to create its rich, spicy character.

Presented in a stylish crystal decanter designed by Stéphanie Balini, Hennessy 250 Collector Blend is available from Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Fortnum & Mason at £360. Or sample it by the glass at the Blue Bar at the Berkeley (below left) and Booking Office Bar & Restaurant (below right) at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel.

Hennessy cognac 250th anniversary Square Meal bars London The Blue bar at the Berkeley Booking Office Old Tom & English

In the mix

You can also celebrate Hennessy’s anniversary with a reinterpretation of the classic Brandy Crusta cocktail. “This was the first-ever and original brandy cocktail,” explains Hennessy brand ambassador Max Helm. Invented by New Orleans bartender Joseph Santina in 1852, the Brandy Crusta features in the seminal 1862 cocktail manual The Bartenders Guide by Jerry Thomas, and is considered a forerunner to a string of classics such as the Sidecar and the Margarita.

The Hennessy Crusta is a mix of Hennessy Fine de Cognac, cherry and orange liqueurs, lemon juice and bitters that’s perfect as an aperitif or to finish your night in style. Try making one at home (see box for recipe) or head to Old Tom & English in Soho (below), where expert bartenders are bringing this old-school classic bang up to date.

Hennessy cognac 250th anniversary Square Meal bars London The Blue bar at the Berkeley Booking Office Old Tom & English

Future horizons

In true Hennessy style, the house is also continuing to look to the future with an innovative new serve that showcases its flagship Hennessy X.O Cognac. Modern and refreshing, X.O Riviera is a deliciously simple way to enjoy Cognac that offers the opportunity to discover or rediscover its distinctive flavours.

Tapping into the trend for lighter drinks and less formal drinking occasions, X.O Riviera is an easy-going mix of Hennessy X.O, water and ice. It’s simple to prepare and can be imbibed anywhere at any time: from cocktail hour at the Blue Bar at the Berkeley to a get-together at home with friends or after dinner.

From the dreams of Richard Hennessy to the desires of modern drinkers, Hennessy Cognac has made an incredible journey over the past quarter of a millennium. But whatever the next 250 years hold in store for the house, you can guarantee that its quest for perfection will continue. And we’ll certainly raise a glass to that.