Spirit Spotlight; Hennessy
Hennessy V.S.O.P
There are very few spirits that have the elegance yet hip, classic yet trendy vibe as Hennessy does. A smooth and a tad sweet fine cognac, Hennessy has graced shelves for over 250 years and accounts for almost half of all global sales of cognacs. The Maison Hennessy boasts an impressive blend of heritage and expertise. The brand's eaux-de-vie (the base spirit for cognac) are aged in French oak barrels, resulting in the rich, aromatic character Hennessy is known for.
With seemingly endless choices for alcoholic beverages, Hennessy is a no-brainer as far as your home bar is concerned. There are several selections of the cognac that Hennessy offers for different palettes.
Hennessy Selections
Hennessy Paradis and Hennessy Richard. Ultra-Premium selects for high-end complexity and special occasions.
White Hennessy. Great for light and refreshing cocktails. A smooth taste with a hint of fruitiness.
Hennessy VS (Very Special). A vibrant blend perfect for cocktails.
Hennessy VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale). Balanced and smooth. Ideal for sipping or in mostly spirit cocktails like an Old-Fashioned.
Hennessy XO (Extra Old). Made to sip from a snifter, this edition has hints of cocoa, spices, and dried fruits.
Food Pairing
If you are breaking out your Hennessy for a get-together, there are several foods that pair well with it. Rich foods like roasted meats, aged cheeses, or decadent desserts like dark chocolate truffles work best. The bold complexity of Hennessy XO pairs particularly well with strong cheeses, while Hennessy VS shines in savory BBQ-inspired dishes.
Besides being a user-friendly, smooth addition to your bar, Hennessy also serves as a cool drink order and is stocked at most bars. It makes an easy and elevated cocktail—a Hennessy and ginger ale or a Hennessy and apple cider are delicious and straight-forward. It has several varieties to fit any palette or you can enjoy on the rocks or neat just as easily. I truly love this spirit. It fits so well into so many of my cocktail recipes, and the street cred makes this iconic spirit a total winner.
Cheers!
