The history of Hennessy

Published: May 21, 2025 by Gill Harris

Explore Hennessy’s heritage with a visit to its historic cellars and a perfectly paired cognac tasting…

Nestled along the tranquil banks of the Charente river in Cognac lies Maison Hennessy, one of the most prestigious cognac houses in this charming city of cobbled streets and elegant Renaissance architecture, which is just 90 minutes by car from Bordeaux or a three-hour train trip from Paris.
Visitors are warmly welcomed to explore Hennessy’s rich heritage and craftsmanship, with eight tours to choose from, one of the most popular being the Hennessy XO Experience, which blends tradition with cutting-edge innovation, culminating in an indulgent tasting session where the iconic Hennessy XO cognac is paired with exquisite, locally-made chocolates.

The adventure begins with a picturesque crossing of the Charente aboard a solar-powered boat, a nod to the gabarres that once transported barrels of cognac along these historic waters. This gentle voyage sets the tone for an experience that delves deep into the Maison’s legacy, showcasing how a blend originally crafted by Maurice Hennessy for family and friends in 1870 has become a global emblem of refinement.

A highlight of the tour is Mobilis, an avant-garde virtual reality installation that brings Hennessy’s history to life. Conceived by French artists Olivier Kuntzel and Florence Deygas, Mobilis (which won Best Innovation at the Wine Tourism Awards 2024 and Best of Wine 2025) is a 19-minute sensory odyssey inspired by founder Richard Hennessy’s 18th-century sketches. The experience takes visitors through a dreamlike narrative of craftsmanship, time and savoir-faire. As the lines of Richard Hennessy’s original sketches evolve, colossal barrel-men appear, symbolising the generations of coopers who have shaped the Maison’s legacy. Then comes a guided exploration of the cellars, where the ‘angels’ share – the evaporation of cognac during ageing-adds an intoxicating aroma to the air. Visitors will gain a rare insight into the meticulous art of barrel-making before stepping into the Paradis cellar, where Hennessy’s oldest eaux-de-vie are stored.

Savour the complexity

The culmination of the Hennessy XO Experience is a guided tasting that is bound to elevate your appreciation of cognac. Guests are invited to savour the complex layers of Hennessy XO in three different ways – neat, on ice and as part of a crafted cocktail. To heighten the experience, the tasting is paired with bespoke Hennessy XO chocolates, created in collaboration with the renowned Duceau chocolaterie in Angoulême. Each chocolate is carefully designed to complement the rich and evolving notes of the cognac, creating a harmonious interplay of flavours.

From the historic waters of the Charente to the cutting-edge world of virtual reality and finally to the refined indulgence of a perfectly paired tasting, every element of the tour is designed to deepen your appreciation of one of the world’s most iconic cognacs. Whether a long-time enthusiast or a curious newcomer, you’ll leave with a newfound understanding of the heritage and craftsmanship behind each bottle of Hennessy XO.

The Hennessy XO Experience is available year-round, with tours available in English.

hennessy.com

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