Few Cognac bottles are as instantly recognisable as Hennessy V.S.
The distinctive flask-shaped bottle, cream label and bold Hennessy name have made it one of the world's best-known Cognacs, while the liquid inside remains deliberately versatile: rich enough to drink neat, accessible over ice and powerful enough to remain distinctive in cocktails and simple long drinks.
Officially named Hennessy Very Special, Hennessy V.S is matured in new oak barrels and bottled at 40% ABV, offering a combination of toasted oak, roasted almond, brown sugar, vine fruit, vanilla and a fresh floral finish.
It also makes considerable sense at Christmas.
Cognac has long been associated with after-dinner drinking and gifting, but Hennessy V.S is more flexible than that traditional image suggests. It can become a simple Hennessy & Ginger while guests arrive, a Hennessy cocktail at a Christmas party, a neat pour after dinner or a bottle wrapped beneath the tree.
At the time of writing, Hennessy VS Cognac 70cl is available from Hard To Find Whisky at £34.95, bottled at 40% ABV. HTFW also offers miniatures, larger formats and a Henny-Rita cocktail shaker gift pack.
Here is everything you need to know about Hennessy VS, from what V.S actually means to how it tastes, the best mixers and cocktails, Christmas gifting and where to buy it.
Hennessy VS at a Glance
Producer: Hennessy
Expression: Hennessy Very Special / Hennessy V.S
Spirit: Cognac
Country: France
Bottle size: 70cl
ABV: 40%
Maturation: New oak barrels
Style: Bold, fragrant, toasted and fruity
Key flavours: Toast, roasted almond, brown sugar, vine fruit, vanilla and floral notes
Founded: Hennessy was established in 1765
Current HTFW price: £34.95
Best for: Neat drinking, mixed drinks, cocktails, parties and gifting.
Buy Hennessy VS Cognac 70cl at Hard To Find Whisky.
What Is Hennessy VS?
Hennessy V.S – Very Special – is the entry expression in Hennessy's core Cognac range.
That does not mean it is a basic spirit intended only for mixing.
Hennessy describes V.S as one of the most popular Cognacs in the world, matured in new oak barrels and characterised by a bold, fragrant style combining toast and fruit.
The modern expression is particularly focused on versatility.
Hennessy itself promotes V.S for everything from classic cocktails and more elaborate mixed drinks to straightforward long serves such as Hennessy & Ginger.
That versatility helps explain its popularity.
Someone completely new to Cognac can pour it over ice or add ginger ale.
A cocktail enthusiast can use it in a Margarita variation or highball.
And a traditional Cognac drinker can simply pour a measure neat.
The same bottle can cover all three.
What Does VS Mean on Hennessy?
V.S stands for Very Special.
It is also an official Cognac age classification.
Under Cognac regulations, the age stated by a category refers to the youngest eau-de-vie contained within the final blend.
For a V.S or Very Special Cognac, that youngest component must have spent at least two years ageing continuously in oak.
This is important because Cognac is usually a blend of numerous eaux-de-vie rather than the product of a single barrel.
So Hennessy VS does not mean every component is exactly two years old.
It means the blend complies with the V.S category and none of the Cognac used to create it can be younger than the legally required minimum.
Is Hennessy Brandy or Cognac?
Hennessy is Cognac.
Cognac is a type of brandy, but the terms are not completely interchangeable.
For a spirit to be sold as Cognac, it must comply with the rules of the protected Cognac geographical indication in France.
The official Cognac body explains that the production area is divided across six crus, with strictly regulated grape varieties, distillation and ageing requirements.
Cognac is made from white wine grapes, with Ugni Blanc accounting for more than 98% of vineyards in the appellation today.
The wine is distilled using the traditional double Charentais distillation process before the resulting eaux-de-vie mature in oak.
So:
All Cognac is brandy.
But:
Not all brandy is Cognac.
Hennessy belongs firmly in the latter protected category.
What Does Hennessy VS Taste Like?
Hennessy's official tasting notes provide a much more detailed picture than simply calling it "smooth".
Appearance
Hennessy describes V.S as clear and bright with an amber colour.
Nose
The official profile begins with:
Fresh toast
Roasted almond
Brown sugar
followed by more subtle vine fruit aromas.
This makes Hennessy VS feel relatively rich from the outset.
New oak provides toasted character while the fruit prevents it from becoming dominated entirely by wood.
Palate
The palate is described as rich and creamy, with vanilla adding further depth.
There is enough sweetness to make it approachable, but the 40% ABV strength and oak influence provide structure.
Finish
The finish moves towards fresh and floral notes, giving the Cognac some lift after the richer toast, almond, brown sugar and vanilla.
Taken together, expect:
Toast
Roasted nuts
Brown sugar
Fresh fruit
Vanilla
Oak
and
Floral freshness.
That combination explains why Hennessy works so successfully with ginger, citrus and fruit-based mixers.
Is Hennessy Sweet?
Hennessy V.S has noticeable sweet flavours, particularly brown sugar, fruit and vanilla, but it is not a sweet liqueur.
The impression of sweetness comes as part of a broader Cognac profile that also includes:
Oak.
Toast.
Roasted almond.
Alcohol warmth.
And fresh floral character.
Someone used to whisky may initially notice the fruit and vanilla.
Someone used to sweet liqueurs will probably find Hennessy considerably drier and stronger.
Is Hennessy VS Smooth?
"Smooth" is subjective, but Hennessy's official tasting profile describes a rich and creamy palate, while the producer promotes V.S as suitable for both simple mixed drinks and straight tasting.
At 40% ABV it still carries proper spirit strength.
Expect warmth rather than the almost syrup-like texture of a lower-strength liqueur.
For someone new to Cognac who finds neat spirits intense, serving Hennessy over ice or with ginger ale is an easier introduction.
How Should You Drink Hennessy VS?
There is no single correct answer.
One of the central messages in Hennessy's current positioning is versatility.
V.S can be enjoyed:
Neat
Over ice
With ginger ale
With pineapple juice
In a highball
In a Margarita variation
or in more elaborate Cognac cocktails.
The best place to start depends on what you normally drink.
If You Normally Drink Whisky
Try it neat first.
If You Normally Drink Rum and Cola
Try Hennessy with ginger ale or cola.
If You Like Fruity Drinks
Try Hennessy and pineapple.
If You Like Cocktails
Start with the Hennessy Margarita or Honey Highball.
The fact that one bottle works across all of these styles is a major part of the appeal.
Can You Drink Hennessy Neat?
Yes.
Pour around 25–35ml into a suitable glass and allow it a little time before drinking.
At room temperature, the Cognac's toasted almond, brown sugar, fruit, vanilla and floral characteristics should be easier to explore.
There is no need to warm the glass dramatically.
Simply allowing the spirit to sit for a few moments is enough.
For a first tasting, take a small initial sip and then return to the glass.
That gives the palate time to adjust to the 40% ABV strength.
Hennessy Over Ice
Ice provides a straightforward alternative.
Pour Hennessy over one or two substantial cubes rather than filling the entire glass with crushed ice.
As the ice melts:
The alcohol becomes softer.
The temperature drops.
Some of the richer flavours become more restrained.
And the drink gradually changes.
For someone who finds Cognac neat slightly too intense, this may be the easiest way to begin.
Hennessy & Ginger: The Easiest Hennessy Serve
If one simple Hennessy mixed drink deserves to be remembered, it is Hennessy & Ginger.
Hennessy's official recipe uses:
45ml Hennessy V.S
105ml ginger ale
1 lime wedge
with optional candied ginger as a garnish.
How to Make Hennessy & Ginger
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add:
45ml Hennessy VS
Then add:
105ml dry ginger ale.
Gently stir.
Finish with fresh lime.
That's it.
Ginger works particularly well because it reinforces Hennessy's warmer oak and spice characteristics while the carbonation and lime add freshness.
Why Hennessy & Ginger Works at Christmas
This is also one of the easiest ways to serve Hennessy at Christmas.
You do not need:
A cocktail shaker.
An espresso machine.
Special syrup.
Or five bottles of obscure liqueurs.
You need:
Hennessy.
Ginger ale.
Ice.
Lime.
For Christmas, candied ginger or a strip of orange peel can make the presentation feel slightly more seasonal without turning the drink into a novelty cocktail.
Hennessy & Pineapple
Another official Hennessy V.S serve pairs the Cognac with pineapple juice and bitters.
The producer's recipe uses:
45ml Hennessy V.S
105ml pineapple juice
1 dash bitters
with lime or pineapple as garnish.
The combination sounds simple because it is.
Pineapple provides tropical fruit and sweetness.
Bitters add spice and structure.
Hennessy brings oak, vanilla and Cognac fruit character.
This is a particularly useful option for parties where not everyone wants a spirit-forward cocktail.
Hennessy Margarita: The Henny-Rita
Hennessy also promotes V.S as an alternative base for a Margarita-style drink.
Its official Hennessy Margarita recipe uses:
40ml Hennessy V.S
20ml fresh lime juice
15ml orange liqueur
5ml agave syrup
with an optional salted rim.
The idea works because Cognac already provides fruit, oak and sweetness.
Replacing tequila dramatically changes the character while retaining the familiar lime, orange and agave structure of a Margarita.
This is sometimes referred to as a Henny-Rita.
HTFW currently carries a dedicated Hennessy VS Henny-Rita Cocktail Shaker Gift Pack containing the 70cl, 40% ABV Cognac in gift packaging with a cocktail shaker. The set is currently listed at £39.95.
That is only £5 more than the standard bottle at current HTFW pricing, making it particularly interesting for gifting.
Hennessy Honey Highball
Another useful official recipe is the Honey Highball.
Hennessy recommends:
45ml Hennessy V.S
20ml honey syrup
20ml fresh lemon juice
90ml club soda
finished with lemon.
This one translates especially well into autumn and Christmas.
Honey.
Lemon.
Cognac.
Oak.
Vanilla.
Those flavours naturally suit colder weather without becoming excessively heavy.
For festive entertaining, a sprig of rosemary can also provide aroma and visual interest, although the official recipe itself keeps the garnish to lemon.
Is Hennessy Good With Coke?
Yes.
Hennessy and cola is a very straightforward long drink.
Cola brings caramel, spice and sweetness, all of which fit naturally with the Cognac's vanilla, toasted oak and brown sugar notes.
Use plenty of ice and adjust the amount of cola depending on how strongly you want to taste the Hennessy.
Fresh lime can prevent the drink from becoming too sweet.
It is not complicated, but that is part of the appeal.
Is Hennessy Good With Lemonade?
Yes, particularly if you prefer a sweeter and more citrus-forward mixed drink.
Lemonade lightens the oak and vanilla character and produces a much easier-drinking long serve.
For someone completely unfamiliar with Cognac, this may be more approachable than drinking Hennessy neat.
Ginger ale, however, usually provides more contrast and lets the Cognac retain more of its own identity.
Hennessy VS at Christmas
Hennessy does not need much adaptation to make sense during Christmas.
Its existing flavour profile already includes:
Toast.
Brown sugar.
Roasted almond.
Fruit.
Vanilla.
Oak.
Those flavours sit naturally alongside the richer food and drinks associated with winter.
The versatility is even more useful.
Before Dinner
Serve Hennessy & Ginger.
At a Christmas Party
Make Henny-Ritas, Honey Highballs or Hennessy & Pineapple.
After Dinner
Pour Hennessy neat or over ice.
As a Gift
Choose the standard 70cl bottle, Henny-Rita gift pack, miniature or larger 1.5 litre bottle.
Few Christmas spirits can move between all of those roles quite so easily.
Is Hennessy a Good Christmas Gift?
Yes.
Hennessy has several characteristics that make it particularly easy to gift.
It is:
Highly recognisable.
Premium without being inaccessible.
Suitable for drinking neat.
Useful in cocktails.
Bottled at conventional spirit strength.
And available in several different formats.
At the time of writing, the standard Hennessy VS 70cl is £34.95 at HTFW.
That sits in a useful Christmas price bracket.
It feels more substantial than a £15–£20 everyday bottle but remains far below the pricing of Hennessy X.O or Paradis.
Hennessy Henny-Rita Gift Pack for Christmas
For only slightly more, the Hennessy VS Henny-Rita Cocktail Shaker Gift Pack is currently £39.95.
It includes:
Hennessy V.S 70cl
40% ABV
Cocktail shaker
Gift packaging.
For someone interested in cocktails, that makes it an easy upgrade over the standard bottle.
The recipient can open the pack and immediately begin making Henny-Ritas and other Cognac cocktails.
Hennessy Miniatures for Christmas Stockings
HTFW also stocks Hennessy VS Cognac 5cl Miniatures.
The miniature contains the same recognisable V.S style in a smaller format at 40% ABV.
Miniatures work particularly well for:
Christmas stockings.
Festive hampers.
Secret Santa additions.
Adult table gifts.
Tasting sets.
Or someone who wants to try Hennessy without buying a full bottle.
For larger numbers, HTFW also offers Hennessy VS Miniatures 12 x 5cl.
That can be particularly useful when building multiple Christmas hampers.
Hennessy VS 1.5 Litre Magnum
At the other end of the scale is the Hennessy VS 1.5 Litre Magnum.
The bottle contains:
150cl
at
40% ABV
and is currently listed by HTFW at £84.95.
That is more than twice the volume of the standard 70cl bottle.
A magnum makes considerably more sense for:
Large Christmas gatherings.
Parties.
Celebrations.
Home bars.
Or gifting where visual impact matters.
For a casual Hennessy drinker, the 70cl bottle remains the obvious choice.
For a large celebration, the 1.5 litre format is much harder to overlook.
Hennessy VS vs Hennessy VSOP
This is one of the most common comparisons.
The main difference begins with age classification.
Hennessy VS
Very Special
The youngest eau-de-vie in a V.S blend must be at least two years old under Cognac regulations.
Hennessy describes VS through:
Toast.
Roasted almond.
Brown sugar.
Vine fruit.
Vanilla.
A fresh floral finish.
It is particularly versatile and strongly positioned towards cocktails and mixed drinks.
Hennessy VSOP
Very Superior Old Pale
A V.S.O.P Cognac must contain no eau-de-vie younger than four years.
Hennessy's official V.S.O.P profile highlights:
Sweet apricot
Vanilla
and
mellow oak.
Hennessy V.S.O.P also has a particularly significant history.
The house says it was commissioned in 1817 by the future King George IV of England.
HTFW currently offers Hennessy VSOP Cognac alongside the standard V.S.
Which Is Better: Hennessy VS or VSOP?
"Better" depends on the intended use.
Choose Hennessy VS if:
You want the lower-priced entry into Hennessy.
You make cocktails.
You enjoy mixed drinks.
You want stronger toast and youthful energy.
You are buying for a party.
Choose Hennessy VSOP if:
You want a more mature style.
You are likely to drink it neat.
You want mellow oak and apricot character.
You are looking for a step up within the core Hennessy range.
For someone completely new to the brand, V.S remains the logical starting point.
Hennessy VS vs Hennessy XO
Hennessy X.O is a substantial move further up the range.
X.O means Extra Old, and modern Cognac rules require the youngest eau-de-vie in an X.O blend to have aged at least 10 years.
Hennessy itself created the X.O category in 1870, when Maurice Hennessy produced the expression for his circle of friends.
Its flavour profile is correspondingly more complex, with Hennessy highlighting:
Candied fruit.
Spice.
Oak.
Increasing heat.
And an exceptionally long finish.
HTFW offers Hennessy XO Cognac for drinkers looking to move significantly beyond the entry V.S style.
Choose Hennessy VS For:
Cocktails.
Parties.
Mixed drinks.
Casual pours.
An accessible introduction.
Choose Hennessy XO For:
Slow neat drinking.
Special occasions.
Premium gifting.
A more mature Cognac experience.
They share the Hennessy name but occupy very different places in the range.
Who Founded Hennessy?
The Hennessy house was founded in 1765 by Richard Hennessy.
Richard was Irish-born and eventually established the Cognac house in France, creating the foundation of the business that would become one of the defining names in the entire Cognac category.
In 2025, Maison Hennessy marked 260 years of history.
The family's influence on Cognac terminology is particularly notable.
Hennessy was involved in the creation or popularisation of several classifications now recognised throughout the industry.
The future King George IV commissioned the house's V.S.O.P in 1817.
Maurice Hennessy later created Hennessy X.O in 1870.
Today, those abbreviations appear on Cognac bottles from producers around the world.
Why Is Hennessy So Famous?
There is no single reason.
History certainly matters.
A brand founded in 1765 has had more than two and a half centuries to establish itself.
But Hennessy also expanded internationally relatively early.
The house became one of the early Cognac producers to export in labelled glass bottles, using the label as a recognisable guarantee of origin and quality as its products travelled around the world.
More recently, Hennessy has maintained its visibility through:
Cocktails.
Art.
Fashion.
Music.
Sport.
Artist collaborations.
And limited editions.
Hennessy V.S itself has become especially associated with artist partnerships and contemporary cultural collaborations.
That gives the brand an unusual ability to exist simultaneously in traditional Cognac culture and modern nightlife.
Hennessy and Hip-Hop
Any discussion of Hennessy's modern cultural position eventually reaches hip-hop.
The brand has developed a particularly strong relationship with music and contemporary culture over several decades.
HTFW has handled several releases reflecting this connection, including Hennessy 50 Years of Hip Hop – Nas Limited Edition V.S Cognac.
More recently, Hennessy's partnerships have extended into basketball and wider cultural collaborations.
The house's relationship with LeBron James has included limited-edition V.S and V.S.O.P bottles celebrating his career.
These collaborations help explain why Hennessy V.S often feels culturally different from traditional perceptions of Cognac as purely an after-dinner drink.
Hennessy V.S and LeBron James
Hennessy's official LeBron James collaboration describes V.S as a world favourite with a combination of roundness, strength and versatility, presented in special-edition packaging celebrating the NBA star.
HTFW currently carries Hennessy and LeBron James releases through its wider Hennessy collection, including V.S.O.P editions.
These bottles are more suitable for collectors or fans of the collaboration.
For someone interested principally in drinking Hennessy, the standard Hennessy VS remains the most accessible option.
Is Hennessy Good for Beginners?
Yes, particularly because there is no requirement to drink it neat.
Hennessy V.S gives beginners several routes into Cognac.
Start with:
Hennessy & Ginger.
Then:
Hennessy over ice.
Then:
Hennessy neat.
This gradually reduces the mixer and puts more focus on the Cognac itself.
The familiar vanilla, brown sugar, fruit and toasted notes should also be relatively accessible to drinkers coming from bourbon, dark rum or aged brandy.
Is Hennessy Good for Whisky Drinkers?
Often, yes.
There are enough familiar characteristics to make the transition interesting:
Oak.
Vanilla.
Toast.
Roasted nuts.
Alcohol warmth.
But Cognac brings a different fruit profile because it begins with grapes rather than grain.
The result can feel simultaneously familiar and distinctly different.
Whisky drinkers who enjoy sherried or fruit-forward expressions may particularly appreciate Cognac's natural vine-fruit character.
What Food Goes With Hennessy VS?
Hennessy VS is flexible enough to work with several types of food.
Dark Chocolate
The bitterness contrasts with brown sugar and vanilla.
Roasted Nuts
Particularly appropriate given Hennessy's official roasted almond tasting note.
Mature Cheese
Rich cheese can stand up to the spirit's oak and intensity.
Charcuterie
Salt and fat create useful contrast against Cognac's fruit.
Desserts With Caramel or Vanilla
These echo flavours already present within the Cognac.
For Christmas, a small neat pour alongside dark chocolate or roasted nuts can work particularly well once dinner is finished.
Hennessy With Christmas Dinner?
Hennessy is better suited around Christmas dinner than as a direct replacement for wine throughout the meal.
Before dinner:
Try Hennessy & Ginger or a highball.
After dinner:
Serve it neat.
With dessert:
Pair it with chocolate or nut-based desserts.
Later in the evening:
Move into cocktails.
This prevents a 40% ABV spirit from competing with every course while still making good use of the bottle throughout the day.
Build a Hennessy Christmas Gift
A full bottle of Hennessy works on its own, but it is also easy to turn into something more substantial.
Hennessy & Ginger Gift
Include:
Premium ginger ale
Two highball glasses
Fresh or candied ginger
A lime
Henny-Rita Gift
Include:
Hennessy VS
Orange liqueur
Agave syrup
Cocktail shaker
Margarita glasses
Or simply buy the Hennessy Henny-Rita Cocktail Shaker Gift Pack, currently listed at £39.95.
Cognac Tasting Gift
Pair:
Hennessy VS
Hennessy VSOP
and potentially a Hennessy XO miniature.
This gives the recipient an introduction to how Cognac changes as the category moves through higher age classifications.
Hennessy for New Year's Eve
Hennessy also carries naturally from Christmas into New Year's Eve.
For a party, the easiest options are:
Hennessy & Ginger.
Hennessy Pineapple.
Henny-Rita.
Honey Highball.
All are drinks that can be made relatively quickly and do not require slow Cognac tasting to appreciate.
The 1.5 litre Hennessy VS Magnum becomes particularly relevant here if serving a larger group. HTFW currently lists the 150cl bottle at £84.95.
How Strong Is Hennessy?
Hennessy V.S is bottled at 40% ABV.
That is standard full spirit strength.
The official Cognac rules also specify that Cognac must reach at least 40% ABV when sold.
A neat 25ml measure will therefore feel considerably stronger than wine, beer or most liqueurs.
Mixed drinks dilute that strength depending on the recipe.
The Hennessy & Ginger, for example, combines 45ml Cognac with 105ml ginger ale before ice dilution.
Does Hennessy Go Off?
An unopened bottle of Cognac is very stable when stored correctly.
Once opened, Hennessy will not behave like wine and suddenly spoil after a few days.
However, prolonged exposure to oxygen can gradually change aroma and flavour.
For best storage:
Keep the bottle upright.
Close it tightly.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Avoid excessive heat.
Do not store it next to a radiator.
There is no need to refrigerate standard Hennessy V.S.
If only a very small amount remains in the bottle for an extended period, oxidation can become more noticeable because there is more air relative to liquid.
Should Hennessy Be Refrigerated?
No.
Hennessy V.S does not require refrigeration.
Store it at a relatively stable room temperature, away from sunlight and heat.
For cocktails, you can chill the bottle if you prefer, but ice and mixers usually provide all the cooling required.
How Much Is Hennessy VS?
At the time of writing, HTFW lists Hennessy VS Cognac 70cl at £34.95.
The current Hennessy formats at HTFW also include:
Hennessy VS Henny-Rita Gift Pack – £39.95
Hennessy VS 1.5 Litre Magnum – £84.95.
Pricing and stock can change, particularly during Christmas and other major gifting periods.
For the latest information, check the live product listing.
Check the latest Hennessy VS price at Hard To Find Whisky.
Where Can You Buy Hennessy?
Hennessy VS Cognac is available online from Hard To Find Whisky.
The standard expression is:
70cl
40% ABV
and currently £34.95.
Other options include:
Hennessy VS Henny-Rita Cocktail Shaker Gift Pack
Hennessy VS Miniatures 12 x 5cl
and
Browse them together through the Hennessy collection at Hard To Find Whisky.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hennessy VS
What does Hennessy VS stand for?
V.S means Very Special. It is an official Cognac category in which the youngest eau-de-vie must have aged for at least two years in oak.
What percentage is Hennessy?
Hennessy V.S is 40% ABV.
What does Hennessy taste like?
Hennessy's official tasting notes highlight fresh toast, roasted almond, brown sugar, vine fruit, vanilla and a fresh floral finish.
Is Hennessy whisky?
No. Hennessy is Cognac, a grape-based French brandy produced within the regulated Cognac appellation.
Is Hennessy brandy?
Yes, Cognac is a specific protected type of brandy.
How old is Hennessy VS?
As a V.S Cognac, the youngest eau-de-vie in the blend must have spent at least two years ageing in oak.
Can you drink Hennessy neat?
Yes. Hennessy V.S can be enjoyed neat, over ice or in mixed drinks and cocktails. Hennessy itself emphasises the expression's versatility.
What is the best mixer for Hennessy?
Ginger ale is one of the simplest. Hennessy's official Hennessy & Ginger recipe uses 45ml V.S with 105ml ginger ale and lime.
Does Hennessy go with pineapple juice?
Yes. Hennessy publishes an official serve combining 45ml V.S, 105ml pineapple juice and a dash of bitters.
Can you make a Margarita with Hennessy?
Yes. Hennessy's own version combines V.S with lime juice, orange liqueur and agave syrup.
What is the difference between Hennessy VS and VSOP?
V.S requires a youngest eau-de-vie aged at least two years, while V.S.O.P requires at least four. Hennessy V.S is bolder and particularly suited to mixing, while V.S.O.P offers a more mature profile of apricot, vanilla and mellow oak.
Is Hennessy good for Christmas?
Yes. It works as a gift, after-dinner Cognac or cocktail base and is particularly easy to serve with ginger ale, pineapple or in a Henny-Rita.
Is there a Hennessy Christmas gift set?
HTFW currently stocks the Hennessy VS Henny-Rita Cocktail Shaker Gift Pack at £39.95.
Can you buy Hennessy miniatures?
Yes. HTFW stocks individual Hennessy VS 5cl miniatures and 12 x 5cl packs.
Does Hennessy come in a large bottle?
Yes. HTFW currently stocks a Hennessy VS 1.5 Litre Magnum at 40% ABV.
How much is Hennessy VS?
HTFW currently lists the standard 70cl bottle at £34.95.
Where can I buy Hennessy online?
You can buy Hennessy VS Cognac from Hard To Find Whisky.
Is Hennessy VS Worth Buying?
Hennessy V.S has become globally successful partly because it does not force the drinker into one particular style of drinking.
It can behave like a traditional Cognac.
Pour it neat and explore the fresh toast, roasted almond, brown sugar, vine fruit, vanilla and floral characteristics identified by Hennessy's tasting team.
It can become an easy long drink.
Add ginger ale and lime.
It can become a party drink.
Add pineapple juice.
And it can become a proper cocktail base.
Use lime, orange liqueur and agave to make Hennessy's Cognac interpretation of a Margarita.
That breadth is particularly important for someone buying their first bottle.
An expensive mature Cognac may mainly appeal to someone already comfortable drinking spirits neat.
Hennessy V.S gives you considerably more room to experiment.
At £34.95 for 70cl at the time of writing, it also provides one of the most accessible routes into one of Cognac's most famous houses.
Final Thoughts
Hennessy VS Cognac sits in an unusual position.
It belongs to a Cognac house founded in 1765, with more than two and a half centuries of history behind it.
Yet Hennessy V.S does not behave like a spirit trapped by tradition.
The house actively promotes it in contemporary cocktails, highballs and simple mixed drinks, alongside the familiar option of drinking Cognac neat.
The liquid itself explains why.
New-oak maturation brings toast.
Roasted almond and brown sugar add depth.
Vine fruit keeps the Cognac vibrant.
Vanilla gives the palate richness.
And the finish becomes fresh and floral.
For Christmas, that versatility becomes particularly useful.
Give it as a present.
Serve Hennessy & Ginger before dinner.
Pour a neat measure afterwards.
Use it in cocktails when the Christmas party gets going.
Or choose the dedicated Henny-Rita Cocktail Shaker Gift Pack for someone who enjoys making drinks at home.
For anyone searching for Hennessy VS, Hennessy Cognac, what Hennessy tastes like, how to drink Hennessy, Hennessy cocktails, Hennessy Christmas gifts, Hennessy price or where to buy Hennessy, V.S remains the obvious place to begin.
Buy Hennessy VS Cognac 70cl at Hard To Find Whisky.
Or explore the Hennessy VS Henny-Rita Gift Pack, Hennessy VS 1.5 Litre Magnum, Hennessy VSOP, Hennessy XO and the full Hennessy collection at HTFW.
