Hennessy

Q: Is Hennessy cognac or brandy?

Hennessy is most certainly cognac, as it's made in France. Actually in Cognac to be more precise. Cognac (the drink) is a variant of brandy, and simply gets its name from being made in that region (providing it adheres to traditional production methods). Meanwhile, all brandy made outside of France is categorised as.... you guessed it. Brandy!

Q: How is Hennessy made?

As with all cognac, Hennessy is made from a white wine using certain grapes from the Cognac region of France. The wine then goes through a double distilling process in copper pot stills, before being aged for two years in French oak barrels. This production process is the legal requirement to classify it as a cognac and not a brandy.

Q: How much alcohol is in Hennessy?

Virtually all of the Hennessy bottles in our range contain 40% alcohol volume, whilst Hennessy Black is notched up slightly at 43%.

Q: How much does Hennessy cost?

Pricing of Hennessy can differ massively, with most bottles averaging at £35 - £40. For those with a bit more cash to splash we also have a number of bottles in the more exclusive price region, including the rare Hennessy Paradis Imperial 70cl at £2,199.99.

Q: What's the best way to drink Hennessy?

For a drink this classy, there's only one way to drink Hennessy cognac. Neat! Although it's also acceptable to add ice or a dash of water. It is also recommended to serve in a tulip-shaped glass, as the shape encourages the aromas to settle on the top.

Hennessy is the world's best-selling cognac for a reason. Founded in 1765 and still blending eaux-de-vie from the finest Cognac vineyards, Maison Hennessy sets the standard for French brandy. Shop the Hennessy range online at The Bottle Club — from the everyday-brilliant VS to XO for milestone gifts — with next-day UK delivery when you order by 2pm.

VS, VSOP or XO — which Hennessy should you buy?

Hennessy VS (Very Special) is the go-to: bold oak, toasted almond and fresh grape notes that stand up brilliantly in mixed drinks — the cognac behind the classic Henny & Coke. Hennessy VSOP steps up with a smoother, rounder blend aged up to eight years — vanilla, clove and honey — ideal over ice or in an elevated Sidecar. Hennessy XO (Extra Old) is the original XO, created in 1870: a deep, luxurious blend of up to 100 eaux-de-vie with rich candied fruit, chocolate and spice. It's the bottle for celebrations, retirements and serious gifting.

How to drink Hennessy

VS shines with cola, ginger ale or in a Henny Margarita. VSOP suits an old fashioned or simply a large cube of ice. XO deserves a tulip glass, a moment of your time, and nothing else — though a single drop of water opens up the aromas beautifully. For gifts, our Hennessy bottles pair perfectly with our £4.99 gift boxes.

Hennessy FAQs

What's the difference between VS, VSOP and XO? It's ageing: VS is aged a minimum of 2 years, VSOP at least 4, and XO at least 10 — with Hennessy typically ageing well beyond the minimums.

Is Hennessy a whiskey? No — Hennessy is cognac, a grape brandy from the Cognac region of France, double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged in French oak.

What percentage is Hennessy? The core range — VS, VSOP and XO — is bottled at 40% ABV.

Order Hennessy online before 2pm Monday–Thursday for next working day delivery. Free UK delivery on orders over £99.

Is Hennessy cognac or brandy?

How is Hennessy made?

How much alcohol is in Hennessy?

How much does Hennessy cost?

What's the best way to drink Hennessy?