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Hennessy is one of the oldest and most renowned French cognac houses. All Hennessy products are adorned with the globally recognized emblem - the legendary fist clutching an axe. This symbolizes the 12-year service of the brand's founder, Richard Hennessy, in the French army, which served as the basis for granting him French citizenship. Hennessy is an icon in the world of cognac, a drink for connoisseurs and successful individuals.
The history of Hennessy
The Hennessy Cognac House was established in 1765 by Captain Richard Hennessy, an Irishman who served in the army of French King Louis XV. After being wounded in 1745, he was discharged from service and moved to the town of Cognac, known for its brandy, which could "revive the dead". As a true Irishman, 36-year-old Captain Hennessy was well-versed in strong drinks, and after the first tasting, he decided to start an alcohol business. Soon he founded the trading house Societe Hennessy, Connelly & Arthur in Cognac. The Charente Valley with its limestone soils and humid climate was ideal for producing this strong drink. At that time, there was a bountiful harvest in Ireland, and there was a shortage of strong drinks on the market. Therefore, Hennessy decided to export his cognac back to his homeland. Moreover, the barrels could be delivered directly to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean by floating them down the river. Thus, Hennessy's new products entered the market for the first time.
However, Hennessy cognac soon conquered even sophisticated France, accustomed to wines and brandies. By the beginning of the 1790s, more than 40% of the French cognac exports belonged to the Hennessy firm.
Nineteen years after the establishment of the trading house, this drink was already popular even with King Louis XVI. The entire French aristocracy followed suit. Cognac was considered expensive and luxurious even in those times.
By the end of the 18th century, London became the center of export for the company. Since 1794, Hennessy cognac has been supplied to the USA. An order from the Prince Regent and future King George IV in 1817 for a special cognac "made from old light cognac spirits of exceptional quality" also contributed to the strengthening of the company's position in Britain. This Hennessy novelty was named V.S.O.P., which stands for very superior old pale cognac. This abbreviation, as well as the term itself, became commonly accepted and is used by all leading manufacturers to this day.
In the early 19th century, the founder of the company, Richard Hennessy, passed away, and management passed to his son named Jacques. However, these were challenging times for the famous cognac. In the early 19th century, Napoleon was waging wars in Europe, and many countries refused to accept goods from France. After Napoleon's fall, the situation began to normalize.
After the cholera outbreak of 1832, which engulfed all of Britain, sales of Hennessy cognac grew even more. Doctors recommended it as a preventive measure against this deadly disease. This became a key moment in the company's history because it allowed it to continue selling its alcoholic beverage in the USA, even when prohibition laws were in effect there.
Having gained popularity and recognition in Europe and the USA, the Hennessy family decided to expand their products to some countries in Asia and Australia.
In 1865, Morris Hennessy, the great-grandson of Richard, proposed a classification of cognacs using three to five stars to indicate the minimum age of the cognac spirits used in the drink. This classification gained wide acceptance and is still used today, although in many countries, stars have been replaced by letters.
In the 19th century, French winemakers of Irish descent began supplying their products to the tables of high society. It was then that Hennessy VSOP and Hennessy XO cognacs were created by individual order of the future English King George IV, with a maturation period exceeding twenty years.
Throughout the 19th and much of the 20th century, the Hennessy house produced cognac with three stars, later known as VS, with four stars, and then, in 1817, VSOP with five. In the 1820s, Hennessy XO appeared.
In the 20th century, the company had to seek new directions in business. Now, the main consumers of expensive cognac were no longer royal courts, but luxurious hotels and resorts where new rich people stayed: industrialists, bankers, and movie stars. In order to establish its place in the market in the new century, the company had to actively engage in marketing and advertising. Now, reviews about Hennessy could be obtained not only from monarchs and aristocrats but also from wealthy members of the population.
In the mid-20th century, the Frenchman Gérald de Geoffre de Chabrignac created the famous design of the Hennessy XO cognac decanter, which became known worldwide.
In 1971, Hennessy officially announced that it had sold a million cases of cognac throughout its history. That same year, Hennessy merged with Moët & Chandon, the largest champagne producer, and in 1987, they became part of the LVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton conglomerate, specializing in luxury items and elite beverages. In 1979, a new cognac of the classic line - Hennessy Paradies, was introduced, and in 1991, Richard Hennessy was introduced.
In 1979, cellar master Maurice Fillioux created the unique Hennessy Paradis cognac, which includes over a hundred rare cognac spirits. In 1996, Yann Fillioux created Richard Hennessy cognac, embodying 250 years of experience, craftsmanship, and the great history of the cognac house. The drink is presented in numbered decanters made of pure handcrafted crystal.
Hennessy successfully combines what seems incompatible. Offering premium elite drinks for the discerning connoisseur, it is an undisputed leader in the mass cognac market. In 2001, Hennessy sold a record-breaking 35 million bottles, controlling nearly a third of all sales in its market, with its main competitor lagging behind in sales volume by about half.
Today, Hennessy sells approximately 50 million bottles per year worldwide, accounting for over 40 percent of the global cognac volume, making it the largest cognac producer in the world.
You can find the prices for Hennessy products on the Mydutyfree website and app. When planning a trip abroad, take advantage of the opportunity to purchase Hennessy at duty-free shops. And to make your shopping even more enjoyable and beneficial, place your pre-order on Mydutyfree!
