2 | Spirits | Cognac | Page 4

"A bold yet harmonious blend reminiscent of robust spice and fruit flavors, punctuated by fruity notes and delicate vanilla nuances."

Golden amber in colour, this VSOP develops a fruity grape and floral bouquet characteristic of Grande Champagne. There is also a discreet hint of vanilla from the tannin in the oak barrels in which it matures. The persistence of the flavours reflects a balance and a maturity that is already clearly marked.

"The youngest eau-de-vie in this legendary blend is 50 years old. 100% Grande Champagne. Amber color. Harmonious, hallmark bouquet of blue cheese-like rancio, truffles, roasted chestnuts and prunes; the aroma stays firm and concentrated through 10 minutes of nosing. Accessible, satiny smooth at palate entry, then at midpalate the flavor profile turns semisweet, profound and pruny. Finishes gracefully, almost like a ghost on the tongue. Lovely." 90-95 pts.

"Aromas are ripe and melony, then turn deep with subtle hints of walnut, butter cream, oak and marzipan—a sensational bouquet. Right from palate entry the fruit concentration is perfectly balanced by a resiny, cheesy oakiness that blossoms at midpalate along with succulent tastes of raisins, vanilla and butterscotch. Finishes stately, almost chunky. The touch of rancio in the aftertaste puts it over the top. Gorgeous." 96-100 pts.

Hennessy has partnered with revolutionary graffiti artist Futura 2000 to design a limited-edition bottle that celebrates cognac and street art. The bottle offers a new experience for Hennessy fans with its eye-catching abstract lines and shape while drawing from inspiration from the spirit’s warm-colored tones. The bottle contains the standard Hennessy V.S. Cognac that fans love, in a bottle adorned with signature Futura artwork. Each is individually numbered.

The finesse of its bouquet and its long finish come from a very special distillation on fine lees characteristic of Grande Champagne. Its brief stay in new oak barrels from Limousin provides its golden colour with warm highlights, its roundness and a slightly vanilla-flavoured nose with great aromatic richness.

"Deep copper chestnut aromas. Polished, high toned aromas of buttery caramel, artisan chocolate covered apricots and apples, anise, and roasted nuts. A rich yet supple entry leads to a dry-yet-fruity full body of dense dried fruit, nut, sweet spice, chocolate, and cigar box flavors. Finishes with an exceptionally long finish of toffee, leather, chocolate covered espresso bean, anise cookies, tobacco, and lavish brown spices. A gentle giant of a cognac to contemplate and savor. An ideal cigar Cognac."