Hennessy Very Special Cognac

Founded in 1765 by Irishman Richard Hennessy in the town of Cognac, France, Hennessy has spent over 250 years perfecting the art of blending eaux‑de‑vie into some of the world's most celebrated spirits. Eight generations of the Fillioux family have served as Master Blenders, each passing down the expertise needed to select, age and assemble the cognac that carries the Hennessy name. Today, Hennessy is the largest cognac house globally, with expressions ranging from the bold, youthful Very Special to the complex, age‑layered X.O.

At the heart of every Hennessy cognac is fruit harvested from vineyards across the Cognac region, distilled in copper pot stills and matured in French oak barrels. Whether the blend rests for a handful of years or several decades, the Hennessy approach stays the same: balance, depth and character in every glass. This collection at RV Drinks brings together the key Hennessy expressions and special editions, giving you a single place to explore the house from its Very Special entry point all the way up to the iconic X.O.

Explore Our Collection of Hennessy Very Special Cognac

Hennessy Very Special (VS) Cognac — Every Size

The flagship Hennessy Very Special cognac is bold, fragrant and matured in new oak barrels to develop its signature intensity. On the nose, Hennessy VS opens with fresh toast, roasted almond and brown sugar, followed by subtle vine fruit aromas. The palate is rich and creamy, with vanilla rounding things off before an exuberantly fresh, floral finish. Designed to be as versatile as it is enjoyable, this Very Special cognac works neat, over ice and in cocktails from Sidecars to simple ginger ale serves.

Our Hennessy Very Special range covers four bottle sizes so you can choose the format that suits your occasion:

• Hennessy Very Special Cognac 70cl — the standard full‑size bottle for home bars and gifting.

• Hennessy Very Special Cognac 35cl — a handy half‑size Hennessy for trying the Very Special blend or taking to a dinner party.

• Hennessy Very Special Cognac 20cl — a pocket‑friendly cognac for personal pours, travel, or tasting sets.

• Hennessy Very Special Cognac 5cl — a miniature Hennessy perfect for stocking fillers, sampling or wedding favours.

Hennessy Very Special Limited Editions

Hennessy regularly collaborates with artists, designers, and cultural movements to release limited‑edition versions of its Very Special cognac. These bottles contain the same bold VS blend inside, but dress it in collectible packaging that celebrates creativity and self‑expression. Limited editions make standout gifts and display pieces for anyone who appreciates both fine cognac and contemporary design.

• Hennessy Very Special Carnival Limited Edition Cognac 70cl — a vibrant, carnival‑themed Hennessy VS bottle that pairs the classic Very Special liquid with eye‑catching, festival‑inspired artwork.

Hennessy V.S.O.P Cognac

First commissioned in 1817 for the future King George IV of England, Hennessy V.S.O.P represents the next step up from Very Special. The blend uses older eaux‑de‑vie that spend longer in barrel, resulting in a cognac with a vibrant ruby‑amber glow, a rich nose of sweet apricot and a palate of voluptuous vanilla and mellow oak. Hennessy V.S.O.P is smooth, charming and all‑embracing — delightful at first sip, whether enjoyed neat, on ice or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Sidecar.

• Hennessy VSOP Limited LeBron James Edition Cognac 70cl — a special‑edition V.S.O.P bottle created in partnership with LeBron James, blending Hennessy heritage with modern sporting culture.

• Hennessy V.S.O.P Cognac NBA Collector's Edition 70cl — an NBA‑branded Hennessy V.S.O.P release for basketball fans and cognac collectors who want a bottle that bridges sport and spirit.

Hennessy X.O Cognac

Created by Maurice Hennessy in 1870 for his circle of friends, Hennessy X.O was one of the first cognacs ever classified as "Extra Old." The blend brings together over one hundred eaux‑de‑vie, each aged for extended periods in oak, producing a spirit of extraordinary depth. The tasting journey moves through seven distinct chapters: sweet candied fruit, rising heat, a spicy peppery edge with chocolate, flowing warmth, a rich dark chocolate lull, vigorous oak interlaced with vanilla, and finally an infinite, echoing finish. Hennessy X.O is the pinnacle of the core range — a cognac for truly special occasions.

• Hennessy X.O. The Original Extra Old Cognac 70cl — the full‑size flagship X.O bottle, presented in the iconic decanter designed by Gérald de Geoffre and still recognisable since 1947.

Whether you are starting your Hennessy journey with a Very Special miniature or marking a milestone with a bottle of X.O, this collection gives you access to one of the world's most respected cognac houses in one place. Add a Hennessy to your basket and discover why this name has been synonymous with quality cognac for over 250 years.

FAQs

What does "Very Special" mean on a Hennessy bottle?

"Very Special" or VS indicates that the youngest eau‑de‑vie in the Hennessy blend has been aged for at least two years in oak, which is the legal minimum for this cognac classification.

What is the difference between Hennessy VS, V.S.O.P and X.O?

Hennessy VS is the youngest and boldest expression, V.S.O.P uses older eaux‑de‑vie for a smoother, more rounded cognac, and X.O blends over one hundred long‑aged eaux‑de‑vie for maximum complexity and depth.

How should I drink Hennessy Very Special Cognac?

Hennessy VS is versatile enough to enjoy neat, over ice or in cocktails such as Hennessy and Ginger, Berry Mojitos, Sidecars and Margaritas.

Is Hennessy Very Special Cognac suitable for gifting?

Yes, the Hennessy name, distinctive bottle and range of sizes from 5cl miniatures to 70cl full bottles make it a widely recognised and appreciated gift.

Where is Hennessy cognac produced?

All Hennessy cognac is produced in the town of Cognac in south‑west France, where the house has been based since 1765.

What are Hennessy limited editions?

Hennessy regularly releases limited‑edition bottles featuring collaborations with artists, athletes and cultural events, using the same VS, V.S.O.P or X.O liquid inside collectible packaging.

How should Hennessy cognac be stored at home?

Store Hennessy bottles upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Unlike wine, cognac does not continue to age once bottled, so it will keep its character for years if sealed properly.

Can I use Hennessy V.S.O.P and X.O in cocktails as well as VS?

While Hennessy VS is the most popular cocktail choice, V.S.O.P works beautifully in classics like the Old Fashioned and Negroni. X.O is best appreciated neat or with a single ice cube to let its complex layers unfold fully.