In 1994, Kim Jong II was the world's largest single buyer of Hennessy Cognac.

Richard Hennessy (an Irish aristocrat!) moved to France in the mid 18th century, served 12 years in the French Army to gain his citizenship, and then opened his distillery in 1765. The talents of seven generations of cellar-masters from the Fillioux family have enabled Hennessy to constitute the most remarkable reserves of rare eaux-de-vie in the world.

Today, Hennessy is part of LVMH Group, dominating the globe as one of the most famous innovative and revolutionary Cognac companies. The Hennessy estate is in the famous town of Cognac in Charente; the epicenter of all that is Cognac.

Hennessy Black was introduced in 2009, in a smooth, chic, elegant, bottle as dark as obsidian. And the stylish bottle is a apt prelude to what comes inside.

Well, except for the color of the Spirit that is (which is a lighter golden hue, due to its young age and its subtle beauty rest in five-year-old oak barrels). Otherwise this Cognac is a sophisticated blend of 45 different eaux-de-vie ‘aged in barrels used by Hennessy for at least five years...’ meaning that it is aged in oak barrels that were used for at least five years.

Hennessy Black is as smooth as it is intense. Throughout its palate, it is full of character, with delicate floral aromas. It is a young, very mixable Cognac with full bodied, elegant notes, and distinctively refined flavors. As Hennessy puts it: “… a fresh Cognac with scents of jasmine, daffodils, and orange flowers that are subtly mixed with hints of citrus, honey, and fresh grapes.”

Smartass Corner:
Hennessy Black Is Hennessy’s first major release since 1961.