Standing firm on their tagline, “Never Stop, Never Settle,” Hennessy continues to produce high-quality cognac for everyone to enjoy. Hennessy Black Cognac is different from the other Hennessy variants because of its texture, characteristics, and taste.
Learn more about this out-of-the-ordinary cognac with our in-depth Hennessy Black review and taste test.
Table of Contents
Hennessy Black: What Is It?
Hennessy Black debuted in 2009 by LVMH. It is made from 45 different Eaux-de-vie types and aged in French Limousin oak barrels for two or more years. This bottle is different from a standard Hennessy that is smooth since these are intentionally created to be in a mix.
This cognac is made in France and can be drunk straight. However, it is preferred by many as a base for mixing. Unlike the usual sweet-fruity taste of Hennessy, this cognac is created for mixed drinks and co*cktails. It is still made of high-quality ingredients and manufactured in France, though taste and texture are different.
What Does Hennessy Black Taste Like?
Hennessy Black Cognac tastes similar to an Armagnac of young age with that back-of-the-throat bite. It may not taste the same as a regular Hennessy, but one would love the fruity taste when it touches the tongue.
The smell of honey and citrus is quite evident with a bold hint of jasmine. However, the harsh notes do not make this cognac good for sipping. You don’t have to wonder if it works with mixers or co*ke because it does.
Many consider Hennessy Black an overpriced co*cktail mixer as it is roughly $49 per 750 ml bottle. Although this variant is much smoother than Hennessy VS, it is still far from the more expensive and mature bottles that are distinctively smooth. It is even more costly if you check other reviews online. So, how much Hennessy will get you drunk?
Common Hennessy Black Prices
Type
Bottle Size
Alcohol Proof
Average Price
Hennessy Black
375
80
$23.99 – $28.99
750
80
$42.99 – $48.99
1 L
80
$61.99 – $63.99
Hennessy Black Bottle & Label
The same with its mysterious content, Hennessy black also has a contemporary dark design representing the gateway cognac. The manufacturer claims they designed the bottle to signify people who drink something out-of-the-ordinary. It looks like a black bell, but the shape of this cognac is very similar to the other bottles of Hennessy.
Alcohol Content
This bottle is 80 proof and 43% ABV. Like other Hennessy cognac brandies, this drink is enough to make a person dizzy after two glasses. Though this liquor is preferred to be used as a mix, it is still advisable for everyone to go easy on their intake when they drink it to avoid intoxication [1].
This cognac is supposedly made to be an alternative to white liquors like vodka to be used in mixing drinks.
Hennessy Black has a dark gold color which is somehow similar to a regular Hennessy, just a tad darker. Since this is categorized as a VS cognac, it has a lighter hue than other aged cognacs in the market.
It stays inside the barrel longer than a VS cognac, but it has not acquired the color of the French oak barrel it aged in.
Hennessy Black Cognac is aged longer than any Hennessy VS bottle. It stayed inside the French oak barrel for five years, but the mixed aux-de vies already aged for at least two years before combining this liquor.
This drink has a clear finish despite being Hennessy’s alternative to stronger spirits such as tequila and vodka. It has a smooth finish, brought by the number of years inside the barrel where it is stored.
Cognacs aged longer have tamed flavor compared to those that are aged younger. Read the reviews from other sites and see if they think otherwise.
Nose
Cognacs such as Hennessy Black are best sniffed in tulip glasses to smell the hint of lemon and honey with a touch of jasmine. You will inhale the whiff of grapes with a blend of citrusy smell as you dip your nose to the tip of the glass. However, the short period inside the French oak barrels also gave it a hint of oaky smell. But, can you spot fake Hennessy?
Mouth (En Bouche)
Black Hennessy cognacs are smoother than other Hennessy VS variants. This is still best for mixing and not for sipping. It has a rather harsh bite to the throat as you swallow it. Many cognac enthusiasts love drinking this fruity blend, but most prefer it as a mix with soda or champagne.
FAQs
How is Hennessy Black different?
Hennessy Black is different from other Hennessy variants because it is created to be Hennessy’s answer to modern and stylish beverages. This variant is intended for those individuals who are not afraid to try outside of the box.
Does Hennessy Black have carbs?
Hennessy Black does not have carbs, ideal for individuals watching their diet. When mixed with co*cktails, this will acquire added carbohydrates, but one can choose to have this drink chilled or with ice to improve the quality of its harsh aftertaste flavor.
Is Hennessy Black too strong?
No, Hennessy Black is not too strong if you compare it to vodka and tequila, which sometimes reaches 60% ABV. However, this variant is stronger compared to other Hennessy drinks, making it best for mixing co*cktails during a party with friends.
Final Verdict
Hennessy Black is indeed a different offering from LVMH. They have made themselves something that can topple over tequila and vodka when paired with lemon juice, coffee liqueur, soda, or even co*ke. co*cktails like the Hennessy Punch, will have a different but delicious flavor with this cognac.
Though some drinkers want to have their cognac neat, it would be better to get a bit of ice to mellow it down or make co*cktails instead. You can now elevate your party with friends with this new variant from Hennessy. Have a taste of this Black Cognac from Hennessy and experience the modern taste of cognac.
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best co*cktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique co*cktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [emailprotected] or learn more about us here.
Debuting in 2009, Hennessy Black is exclusively available in the United States, setting itself apart as a distinctively smooth cognac perfect for co*cktails. Its texture and higher ABV (43%) make it the cognac of choice for many mixologists.
Black Hennessy cognacs are smoother than other Hennessy VS variants. This is still best for mixing and not for sipping. It has a rather harsh bite to the throat as you swallow it. Many cognac enthusiasts love drinking this fruity blend, but most prefer it as a mix with soda or champagne.
One of the main differences between Black and some of Hennessy's other cognacs is that it ages for around two and a half years, a relatively short time compared to other cognacs that can take decades to mature. The shorter time frame allows for faster production, which in turn lowers the price.
Hennessy: Does It Go Bad? No, Hennessy does not go bad because it has an indefinite shelf life assuming proper storage conditions, so no. Hennessy, like other cognacs, does not age in the bottle because once bottled, it stops maturing, so it can last for a long time [1].
Hennessy cognac can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a co*cktail. Hennessy mixed drinks are some of the most popular co*cktails around, and they are perfect for any occasion.
The typical alcohol content of a Hennessy bottle is 40% ABV. However, this is quite different from Hennessy Black, with 43% ABV, making it the strongest Hennessy. Hennessy Black is wholly obtainable in the United States, separating itself as an exceptionally smooth cognac ideal for co*cktails.
How much is the most expensive Hennessy? The most expensive Hennessy is Hennessy Ellipse which can range from $12,000 to $14,000. It is limited edition and considered one of the most expensive Cognacs money can buy.
This eaux-de-vie are left to age in old French oak barrels that are at least five years old, a true example of Hennessy's craftsmanship and respect for their heritage and history. It's important to note that the Hennessy Black is not 5 years old, and is, in fact, a VS of around 2 or 3 years.
Age: Hennessy Black is a blend of about 45 different eaux-de-vie made from Ugni Blanc grapes that are aged about two or more years in French Limousin oak barrels that have been used at least five years.
VSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale”: VSOP cognacs are created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years. The VSOP category includes designations such as “Old” or “Reserve”. XO stands for “Extra Old”: XO cognacs are made only from eaux-de-vie at least six years old.
These benefits include: -increase antioxidant levels that can prevent risk of clogged arteries, heart disease, cancer and vision loss and may even help the body absorb other antioxidants. -may reduce risk for blood clots. -may limit risk for type 2 diabetes and gallstones.
Yes, you can drink a 20-year-old cognac as its contents will remain safe if stored properly. But, when you notice something off, like its color, aroma, or taste, do not continue drinking it.
Store your bottle in a dark place and also, keep your bottle at room temperature, avoiding extremes of heat and cold. A bottle of cognac can be kept in such conditions for many years without suffering any alteration in the quality of its contents.
Is cognac served warm or cold? Traditionally cognac is served at room temperature and warmed in the hand. However there are now some cognacs that have been specifically created for drinking chilled, such as ABK6 Ice or De Luze's A Blend.
The unique flavor combination of Hennessy and Cola creates a well-rounded, smooth taste that many find irresistible. The boldness of the Cognac is balanced by the sweetness and effervescence of the cola, resulting in a satisfying co*cktail.
Looking for a quick and dirty co*cktail with Hennessy? Try Hennessy and co*ke! This spin on the Rum and co*ke might be considered low brow by some…but add this Cognac and it's a top notch drink! The oak, vanilla and caramel notes of the Hennessy are a perfect fit with the sweetness of bubbly cola.
The health benefits of cognac reach beyond the heart though. Cognac can help reduce risk for Type 2 diabetes and gallstones, as long as you consume only moderate amounts. We keep saying moderate amounts, but what does that mean? For women, that means one drink per day and for men it's two drinks per day.
Hennessy has a substantial consumer base among African Americans, who drink the majority of the cognac consumed in the United States. Accordingly, the brand has also marketed itself with initiatives around black entrepreneurship and Black History Month.
Once fermented, the liquid is twice distilled before aging in French oak barrels. The oak has a subtle impact on the brandy, imparting nutty and toasty flavors to offset Cognac's richer notes like tender fruit, vanilla, and spice.
Myth: "A bottle of Hennessy cognac evolves and ages when in the bottle." Fact: It doesn't age in the sense that it doesn't mature, doesn't concentrate, nor does it get any better.
Cognac is to brandy what Champagne is to sparkling wine, in that to be called cognac the brandy has to be made in the Cognac region to controlled standards. Hennessy is a very established cognac brand, accounting for around roughly half of global cognac sales. It's hugely popular in Ireland.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism , alcohol enters your bloodstream as soon as you take that first sip. The effects kick in within about 10 minutes.
The Richard Hennessy cognac is the crown jewel of the Hennessy collection. A 40-hour process goes into making the bottle's crystal decanter. In Richard Hennessy, the oldest eau de vie is 200 years old and the youngest is 45 years old.
For decades, Hennessy established trust within the Black community through the fulfillment of luxury, a communal desire that was denied to Black communities because of their racial and socioeconomic status.
At 260 years old, the 1762 Gautier Cognac is the last and largest of just three bottles of this rare spirit to still exist till date, all of which still have their original labels.
Storing the bottles upright in a dry, dark place will maintain the quality of both cork and cognac. Once the bottle has been opened, try to keep the contents away from air, as this could cause the cognac to deteriorate. Transferring the cognac to a smaller container can help avoid this problem of oxidation.
A label with the designation V.S. or three stars means that the average aging period of the Cognac is 5 to 9 years. The minimum age is three years for this designation. V.S.O.P. (Very Superior Old Pale) or Reserve means that the average age of the Cognac used in the blend is 7 to 10 years.
Hennessy Black is a blend of 35-45 different eau de vie aged in French oak barrels previously used for cognac for at least five years. This relatively short time in the barrel lends a lighter color and faint oak notes on the nose.
There are four official age categories of cognac: VS, VSOP, XO and the recent addition of XXO. However, there a number of other unofficial classifications such as Napoleon, Hors d'Age and Vintages.
At around 2 million dollars a bottle, Henri IV Dugnon Heritage Cognac is the most expensive cognac by leaps and bounds. It is a bend of various eaux de vies aged in oak barrels for over 100 years.
Cognac has also been found to reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system, which in turn lowers blood pressure. As a result, cognac is said to be able to reduce the amount of negative cholesterol in the heart, helping to balance cholesterol levels.
Medicinally it's said that cognac is better for your heart than whisky and rarely results in a hangover - great benefits certainly but for us, the sheer depth and intensity of flavour, fruitiness, warmth and complexity means that cognac will always be the King of Spirits.
The good news is that liquor such as gin, vodka, whiskey, tequila, and rum, are considered shelf-stable. That means that as long as you store the bottle properly and it remains unopened, you can consider it safe to drink indefinitely.
The worth of a cognac will only go up if demand outstrips supply. So if a half a million bottles are produced, this doesn't make for a great investment option. In general, the smaller the run, the more likely a limited edition is to go up in value.
Unopened liquor has an indefinite shelf life. Opened liquor lasts about a year or two before it goes bad, meaning it starts losing its color and flavor.
Yes, Hennessy is good to drink straight because it has a variety of fruity flavors with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel. We've got some great Hennessy chasers here. Should you drink Hennessy warm or cold? You should drink Hennessy cognac warm if you pick a more mature bottle and drink it neat.
Store your bottle in a dark place and also, keep your bottle at room temperature, avoiding extremes of heat and cold. A bottle of cognac can be kept in such conditions for many years without suffering any alteration in the quality of its contents.
However, once the Cognac comes into contact with the air, it will gradually begin to deteriorate and evaporate. The more air in the bottle, the faster this will happen. Realistically, you can think that it's okay to store an open bottle of Cognac for around six months before this deterioration becomes noticeable.
As an aperitif, cognac is usually consumed neat. Adding a drop of water will reveal more fruity, floral, and spicy aromas, making the tasting experience smoother.
The designations you see on Cognac labels—VS (Very Special), VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) and XO (Extra Old)—are a guarantee of how long a Cognac has been aged. VS indicates that the Cognac has been aged at least two years, VSOP at least four years and XO (Extra Old) at least six years.
Hennessy Black is not designated a V.S.cognac, but due to its young age it would fall in the V.S.category. Age: Hennessy Black is a blend of about 45 different eaux-de-vie made from Ugni Blanc grapes that are aged about two or more years in French Limousin oak barrels that have been used at least five years.
They worked with Black actors in their ads depicting aspirational African American lifestyles that was not portrayed in most advertising at the time. Hennessy became a familiar, trusted brand that laid the groundwork for the late pop cultural ubiquity.
The unique flavor combination of Hennessy and Cola creates a well-rounded, smooth taste that many find irresistible. The boldness of the Cognac is balanced by the sweetness and effervescence of the cola, resulting in a satisfying co*cktail.
The most expensive Hennessy is Hennessy Ellipse which can range from $12,000 to $14,000. It is limited edition and considered one of the most expensive Cognacs money can buy. How to drink Hennessy?
This is done because, in general, the darker the color, the older and more mature the Cognac. This happens because the wooden barrel in which a Cognac is aged influences the color of the spirit within – the longer it's in there, the darker it becomes. The addition of caramel can also make the Cognac sweeter.
VSOP stands for “Very Superior Old Pale”: VSOP cognacs are created from eaux-de-vie aged for at least four years. The VSOP category includes designations such as “Old” or “Reserve”. XO stands for “Extra Old”: XO cognacs are made only from eaux-de-vie at least six years old.
This type of cognac has been aged for at least four years in Limousin oak casks. It derives its flavor from being distilled twice – once like any other type of cognac and then again through a special process called “crystallization premiere.”
Hennessy has a long-standing relationship with African American culture, especially hip hop. It has been described as "synonymous with rap music and African Americans, who are the brand's major consumers and advocates".
And although cognac comes in a variety of options, such as Martell and Remy Martin, Hennessy beats them all out as the most consumed cognac in the American black community. Because of this, it's become synonymous with rap music and African Americans, who are the brand's major consumers and advocates.
Kim Jong-Il revealed as Hennessy's biggest customer spending £700,000 a year on the brandy. North Korea's late leader Kim Jong-Il was reportedly the biggest client fro cognac brand Hennessy and spent £700,000 on the drink.
With the historic uses aside, tonic water goes great with Hennessy. The bitterness acts as a perfect foil to the spirit's sweetness, and the carbonation helps keep it light. Just like its gin and tonic counterpart, a Hennessy and tonic is a drink you can order at nearly every bar (or make at home with ease).
This short co*cktail pairs Hennessy cognac with deeper red fruit flavors to stand up to any tall drink. Pour Hennessy cognac into highball glass. Add ice. Top up with Sprite.
Introduction: My name is Aron Pacocha, I am a happy, tasty, innocent, proud, talented, courageous, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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