| WHAT'S
NEXT AT HENNESSY
The Leading Cognac Distiller Prepares for the Future
by
Alain Gayot
 |
House
of Hennessy |
When
it comes to Cognac, the House of Hennessy has long been
a leading name, and its influence has extended through many
centuries of history, from kings of nations to kings of
hip hop. Today, Hennessy produces more than 40 percent of
the world’s Cognac and is the No. 1 selling brand
in the United States. Hennessy’s legacy began seven
generations ago with Irishman Richard Hennessy, who started
the company as a trading post for his productions of eau
de vie. Since then, the company has grown to a huge
brand, now owned by luxury goods conglomerate LVMH (Moët
Hennessy Louis Vuitton).
 |
| Maurice
Hennessy |
We
spent a few days with seventh-generation magnate Maurice
Hennessy to travel back in time through generations of the
distiller’s tribe and tribulations. We visited barrel
factories, vineyards and distilleries and walked through
the streets of quaint Cognac like King François I
did centuries ago—all to understand what the big deal
is about this "liquid gold."
We
had the honor of catching up with Yann Fillioux, Hennessy’s
master blender and general manager, and Laurent Lozano,
assistant blender and member of the tasting committee, to
pick their brains about Cognac as well understand their
exclusive craft. Like the Hennessy family, Fillioux comes
from seven generations of Cognac making; a member of the
family has always been the master blender for the firm.
We met Fillioux in the Grand Bureau de Degustation, where
the master blender team meets daily to select the eaux
de vie that go into blending. There he let us taste
a few interesting eaux de vie along with some very
old Cognacs.
 |
Laurent
Lozano and Yann Fillioux |
With
perfect French diplomacy, the topic of the Ellipse came
up. Before we could begin asking questions, more tasting
glasses magically appeared and soon, our nose, mouth and
nearly every other part of our bodies were seriously seduced
by this elixir. This ultra-special blend is the culmination
of centuries of the Fillioux family's work. For this limited-edition
Cognac, each master blender from seven generations of blenders
in the Fillioux family noted the most exceptional eau
de vie from his time in office. These eaux de vie
were then blended to make the Ellipse. We guarantee you
this is the absolute best Cognac that money can buy—and
you’ll need a lot with a price of $3,800 for 750 ml.
Even
if you think time travel isn't possible, we got very near
that phenomena in the good company of our hosts and the
beverages they produce. One question that remains unanswered,
however, is what's next and who will take over after Yann
Fillioux and attempt to top the Ellipse.
THE
HENNESSY LINE |
Ellipse |
VSOP:
XO:
Pure White:
Private Reserve:
Paradis:
Richard:
Ellipse:
(only 100 bottles produced) |
$40
$120
only in France
$180
$400
$1,800
$4,000 |
For
more information, visit www.hennessy.com.
| TRAVELER'S
TIP:
Besides
touring the distillery, visitors can also visit
the new center on the Quais Hennessy, a museum
containing artifacts and films illustrating
the company’s heritage. At the gift shop,
or Boutique des Quais, Hennessy offers a full
range of products, including bottles, carafes,
presentation boxes and gifts. Lucky VIP guests
have a chance to stay at the Chateau de Bagnolet.
Other guests can opt to go on Hennessy's river
cruise as well.
Going
to Charente? See our travel
guide.
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