Hennessy is releasing a cognac more friendly to cocktails. Hennessy Black is going on sale nationwide, and is a lighter cognac intended to be mixed into cocktails rather than sipped on its own. It is said to be Hennessy’s first major product launch in the United States in 50 years, and was tested in select markets nationwide this spring.
But it may be sold for more than Hennessy VS.
From Reuters:
The suggested retail price for Hennessy Black is $39.99 per bottle, putting it at a premium to the Hennessy VS (very special), which often sells for around $30, but still less expensive than the higher-end VSOP (very special old pale) and XO (extra old) versions.
Cognac is a type of brandy named for the Cognac region of France where it is made. It has a long, rich history of being associated with French notables such as Napoleon Bonaparte. Yet since the early 1990s it has been favored by young, urban drinkers, and has been celebrated in numerous hip-hop songs, including “Pass the Courvoisier” by rapper Busta Rhymes.
Other artists that have referenced Hennessy in song include Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg.
Hennessy is the world’s top-selling cognac brand, and is owned by French company LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA.
For a list of 30 of the best cocktails with cognac, click here.
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