France: Cognac – Hennessy Distillery & Cellars

Hennessy was founded by Irishman Richard Hennessy in 1765. The sprawling distillery complex is located on the outskirts of Cognac and on the river bank. It’s the leading house of cognac in the world, commanding a massive market share and producing over 100 million bottles a year. Only white wines from Ugni Blanc grapes (sourced from the Cognac region’s six crus) are double-distilled in traditional copper stills to create eau-de-vie (70% alcohol). It is the. aged in French oak barrels for a minimum of 2 years for VS brand and up to decades for premium blends like XO or Paradis. A tour takes you in a boat tour along the facilities, then an extensive walk in the old cellars, and finally tasting VSOP and XO.