About Hennessy XO x Julien Colombier Cognac
The long and sophisticated process of making this premium cognac stars with the grapes. Hennessy uses the late-maturing variety Ugni blanc, which provides just the right balance between high acidity and low alcohol content for creating well-balanced eaux-de-vie (water of life). It takes approximately 12 kg of grapes to obtain one liter of eau-de-vie. Pressing the grapes produces 9 liters of wine, which is first distilled to make 3 liters of brouillis, and for the second time to make one liter of pure eau-de-vie. These eaux-de-vie are then put in French oak barrels and stored in special, carefully monitored cellars. Every day, the Hennessey tasting committee meets to select or reject eaux-de-vie, and the selected barrels are then sampled annually throughout maturation. This process is steered by Master Blender Renaud Fillioux de Gironde, who became Hennessy’s eighth-generation master blender from the same family after having learned the secrets of the craft from his uncle, Yann Fillioux. The creation of premium cognac does not end at aging. The Master Blender and the Tasting Committee meticulously select the eaux-de-vie for blending, consistently replicating perfection and taste.
At the end of 2021, Hennessy partnered with French artist Julien Colombier, releasing 3 limited-edition bottles in celebration of the holiday spirit: a VS, VSOP, and XO. The self-taught artist contributed the design of the bottles, inspired by nature and art deco. Hennessy X.O (X.O stands for extra old) was created in 1870 by Maurice Hennessy for his circle of friends. It was the first cognac to be labeled extra old. About 100 different eaux-de-vie are blended to create this elegant and complex cognac that is presented here with stunning, limited-edition artwork.
Get your limited-edition bottle of the XO today!
About Hennessy
Maison Hennessy is one of the most iconic and distinguished cognac houses. The brand, which has become synonymous with cognac, has significantly shaped the history of this sophisticated French spirit. The dynastic Hennessy family has been dominating the Cognac industry for two and a half centuries. In 1765, Richard Hennessy, an Irish officer serving in Louis XV’s army, set out to create the world’s finest cognac. The refined and highly popularized elixir became a thriving export business, shipping as far as Ireland, Britain, and Europe.
Today, Hennessy is part of LVMH Group, prevailing as one of the most famous innovative, revolutionary cognac companies globally. The brand is known for cultivating profitable relationships across markets, like its well-known relationship with the Hip-Hop industry. The Hennessy estate/headquarters are based in Cognac’s famous town in Charente, where cognac production reigns supreme.
About Cognac
Cognac is a type of brandy produced in the Cognac region of France.
Because the French take it very seriously, there are numerous rules cognac makers have to follow not to fall “short” into the brandy category.
The white wine from the specific grapes (Ugni blanc) has to be doubly distilled in a copper pot still before being aged for at least two years in oak casks from which the wood can only come from two specific forests in France (Limousin or Tronçais).
Depending on the age, there are three types of cognac, the youngest V.S. (Very Special), V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale), and the X.O. (Extra Old)
You’re welcome to check our fantastic cognac selection, find your favorite from the top 10 cognac/brandy list, or explore the Best cognacs under $100.
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