Two centuries ago, the future King of England, George IV, a cognac connoisseur, requested an excellent pale cognac eau-de-vie, which Hennessy delivered in 1818. The Prince didn’t even know that this first cognac,  the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège – to be designated “very special old pale” – would pass the test of time and become a timeless icon.

“In honouring this rich legacy of craftsmanship, one that is unparalleled in the world of Cognac, Hennessy celebrates what began as a Royal Order 200 years ago, and is now the benchmark, for all other V.S.O.P cognacs that have followed, the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège,“ said Michael Ellingworth, Moet Hennessy South Africa Market Manager.“

The eight generation descendants of Maison Hennessy’s founder, Maurice Hennessy and his cousin Roch Hennessy, complemented this grand celebration of the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège 200 years of mastery in South Africa.

One of the firm's most tireless, global ambassadors and the latest vintage of this "grand cru", Maurice Hennessy has been flying the Hennessy flag to build up the brand's universal reputation since 1984. In keeping with the values established by his ancestors more than 250 years ago, Roch Hennessy returned to Maison Hennessy in May 2017. He is responsible for business development in the Chinese market.

Leaving a great legacy is arguably the most powerful thing any individual can do in their career and life as it enables one to have influence well into the future. During their SA visit, the Hennessy duo also paid homage to some of our country’s exceptional individuals who, like Hennessy, have achieved unparalleled levels of accomplishment and are shaping our country’s legacy.

Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège is the epitome of a cognac ideally suited to any occasion

A unique savoir-faire, constant quest for innovation and an unwavering commitment to Creation, Excellence and Legacy, for over two centuries, eight generations of the Hennessy family and the Fillioux family have perfected the art of subtly balancing power and finesse, and continue to do so with an eye on the future.

A cognac of universal appeal, with its great harmony and subtle balance, the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège combines power and finesse. Based on a selection of firmly structured eaux-de-vie, aged largely in partially used barrels in order to take on subtle levels of oak tannins, this highly characterful cognac gains its individuality from the attention to detail in its maturation and exacting selection, resulting in a range of eaux-de-vie with a broad spectrum of aromatic complexity. Full-bodied and extremely flavoursome, with wonderfully inviting balanced aromas of light tobacco, fresh vanilla and toasty notes, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège is the epitome of a cognac ideally suited to any occasion. At once smooth and powerful, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège comes together with a seamless perfection.

Perfect for the adventurous drinker and expressive of the core identity of cognac, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège can be enjoyed neat or over ice. A harmonious and mellow-textured cognac brought into being through the exceptional savoir-faire of the Hennessy Master Blender and his Tasting Committee, this beautifully rounded structure makes the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège blend stand out as the definitive expression of a perfectly balanced cognac.

Legends are shaped over time. In perpetuating this legacy of the original V.S.O.P, Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège cognac’s personality has gone unchanged for nearly two centuries under the stewardship of eighth generations of the Filloux family – Hennessy master blenders who ensure training and savoir-faire in the selection, aging and blending of the eaux de vie. Although staying true to its history and original spirit the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège, the bottle has evolved over time. Inspired by the Hennessy V.S.O.P. bottle created in 1954, the current bottle was designed by American automobile designer, Chris Bangle.

The definitive expression of a perfectly balanced cognac

With a hollow bottom to the bottle, he lengthened the bottle’s neck and straightened its shoulders, stretching it vertically. Creating an optical effect by structuring the front of the bottle with a pyramid perspective (a reminder of the notion of uplift, dear to V.S.O.P.), Bangle chose to engrave the legendary arm and axe of the Hennessy family into the glass itself. A few millimetres from the arm and axe, the symbolic Hennessy V.S.O.P. oval is coloured in a dark grey ennobled with golden embossing, a reminder of the alchemy of contrasts comprising it. The main label highlights this refinement with a shimmering gloss imprinted with clusters of grapes and vine leaves in the background as a subliminal reminder of the origins of the cognac contained in the bottle. The box that the bottle comes also benefited from 2012’s renewal. The “Superior” quality of the cognac is evoked by the liquid splash of V.S.O.P. on the back of the bottle, a reminder of the curves of an “S”.

For more information on the Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège, visit www.hennessy.com. Follow Hennessy on Facebook (HennessySouthAfrica) and Instagram (@HennessySA) using #‎HennessySA.