OUR SAVOIR-FAIRE

In winter, as the vines fall into dormancy, winegrowers take on one of their most demanding tasks: pruning. This time-honored craft is essential to both the yield and longevity of the vineyard. Each cut is precise, made with deep respect for the vine’s natural sap flow, helping to prevent the onset of wood diseases.

Once the grapes are harvested and the wine is made, our distillers draw out its very soul: the eaux‑de‑vie. From October to March, this round‑the‑clock ritual sets the rhythm of life in our distilleries. The spirit undergoes a double distillation in traditional copper stills: the first run yields a raw distillate called "brouillis," while the second, known as "bonne chauffe," releases the heart: a crystal‑clear, aroma‑rich eau‑de‑vie that carries Hennessy’s unmistakable signature.

Inside Maison Hennessy’s Cooperage, an ancestral expertise beats at the heart of our cognac-making: the hand-shaping and maintenance of the barrels in which the eaux-de-vie age. In the final flourish, each barrel is rimmed with metal and chestnut hoops, painstakingly driven home with hammer and "chasse".
 

At Hennessy, barrel calligraphy is a tradition handed down from one generation of artisans to the next. In a script unique to the Maison, our calligraphers note each eau‑de‑vie’s vintage and origin. Because the markings are done in chalk, they’re gentle on the wood, affirming the individuality of every barrel.

This stage is essential to monitoring every eau‑de‑vie. Tiny samples are drawn throughout the aging cycle and kept in glass vials, locking in their character. Guided by the Master Blender, a tasting follows to gauge each sample’s aromas. These snapshots reveal the perfect moment to blend and bottle, securing the signature quality of our cognacs.

Around our decanter neck, leather is hand‑bound by the master artisans of our "Atelier des Editions Rares." Its rich textures and bold contrasts accent the design of the Maison’s most remarkable pieces. A hallmark of elegance, the leather showcases consummate craft, transforming raw material into art while honoring age-old traditions.

At Château de Bagnolet, the Hennessy family estate, the menu changes with the seasons. Our chefs champion local produce, dreaming up inventive dishes that showcase the region and pair beautifully with our cognacs. Guests of the Maison are welcomed here by our Meilleurs Ouvriers de France and LVMH Virtuosos, for a truly bespoke experience.