Richard, the commensurate army man, built the iconic Maison Hennessy with a rare ability to identify brilliant talents and work with them to bring out their best. During his time in the French army, Richard corresponded with his uncle in Belgium who was already trading eaux-de-vie from Cognac, and Richard began to build his business on this relationship.

Richard’s son James also helped to propel success through his determination and clearsighted ability. James expanded the business and outlined the vision for Maison Hennessy, set forth by Richard: the house and reputation of Hennessy had to be outstanding. Together, Richard and James embraced a pioneering and ambitious spirit.

The ageing, the vineyards, the shipments—everything was carefully controlled, always with the long view of the company and products in mind.

First, we select eaux-de-vie for maturation only when they have an outstanding ability to age.

Second, Hennessy rare cognacs are only made with eaux-de-vie that have matured for a long period of time.

Third, the precise task of identifying and blending eaux-de-vie has always been in the expert hands of our Fillioux Master Blenders and tasting committee.

Only a very few eaux-de-vie can pass the test of time, which is why we bottle no more than 12 barrels per year.

This ability to keep the long view in mind is a quintessential part of Hennessy's DNA. In honour of our founder, Richard Hennessy, this cognac is strong in character, long-lasting, and unapologetically intense. Its perfect construction reveals itself through tasting: it surprises and ambushes the senses.

It is a true connoisseur’s cognac – rich yet controlled, unfathomably complex. In tribute, the name recalls our founder’s Irish origins and the family’s saga of an adventurous soldier who became a visionary entrepreneur.