What Proof is Hennessy Cognac VS?

Hennessy Cognac VS is a popular brand of cognac that is enjoyed by many people around the world. One of the most frequently asked questions about this brand of cognac is what its proof is.

Hennessy Cognac VS, also known as Hennessy Very Special, is a popular cognac produced by the Hennessy distillery in Cognac, France. It is the flagship cognac of the Hennessy brand and is known for its distinct taste and smoothness.

The “VS” in Hennessy Cognac VS stands for “Very Special” and refers to the aging process. By law, Hennessy Cognac VS must be aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels. However, the distillery does not make any claims beyond that.

Hennessy Cognac VS has an alcohol content of 40% ABV, or 80 proof. This is a standard alcohol content for cognacs and is the same as other popular brands such as Courvoisier.

The taste of Hennessy Cognac VS is described as having notes of burnt wine, oak, floral, fruit, spice, and vanilla. It has a bit more bite than other cognacs and is best enjoyed straight-up, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

Hennessy cognac is produced through a meticulous process that involves harvesting, distillation, and aging.

Harvesting

The process begins with the careful selection of grapes, which are harvested in the Cognac region of France. The grapes are then pressed to extract the juice, which is fermented to produce wine. The wine is then distilled twice in copper stills to produce a clear, high-alcohol spirit called eau-de-vie.

Distillation

Distillation is a crucial step in the production of Hennessy cognac. The eau-de-vie is distilled twice in copper stills to remove impurities and concentrate the alcohol. The first distillation produces a low-alcohol spirit called brouillis, which is then redistilled to produce a higher-alcohol spirit called eau-de-vie.

Aging

The eau-de-vie is then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years. The barrels are made from French oak and are carefully selected to ensure the highest quality. The aging process is crucial to the development of the complex flavors and aromas that are characteristic of Hennessy cognac.

During the aging process, the eau-de-vie interacts with the wood of the barrel, which imparts flavors and aromas such as vanilla, caramel, and spice. The longer the cognac is aged, the more complex and refined it becomes.

Hennessy VS Cognac is a popular brand of cognac that has been around for over 250 years. One of the most important aspects of this cognac is its alcohol content. Hennessy VS Cognac typically contains 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is equivalent to 80 proof.

Compared to other cognacs, Hennessy VS Cognac has a bit more bite due to its higher alcohol content. For example, Hennessy VSOP Privilege Cognac contains the same ABV as Hennessy VS Cognac, while Hennessy XO Cognac has a slightly lower ABV of 37%.

It’s worth noting that different expressions of Hennessy Cognac may have slightly different ABV levels. For example, Hennessy Black Cognac has an ABV of 43%, while Hennessy Pure White Cognac has an ABV of 41%. However, the majority of Hennessy Cognac, including the core expressions, is bottled at 40% ABV.

Hennessy VS Cognac, also known as Hennessy Very Special, is a popular brand of cognac that is loved for its smooth and rich taste. One of the factors that contribute to the unique taste of this cognac is its proof.

At 80 proof or 40% alcohol by volume (ABV), Hennessy VS Cognac has a bit more bite than other cognacs. This higher alcohol content is achieved through a careful distillation process that involves double distillation in copper pot stills. The result is a cognac that has a rich and complex flavor profile.

When you first pour Hennessy VS Cognac into a glass, you’ll notice its beautiful amber hue. On the nose, you’ll detect rich and sweet aromas that are reminiscent of autumn. You’ll notice big notes of apples and honey, cinnamon, and clove. A bit of dry oak helps balance everything out.

On the palate, you’ll experience a smooth and velvety mouthfeel that is characteristic of high-quality cognacs. You’ll taste burnt wine, oak, floral, fruit, spice, and vanilla. The flavors are well-balanced, with no single flavor dominating the others.

What is the difference between Hennessy VSOP and VS?

Hennessy VS (Very Special) is a cognac that has been aged for at least two years in oak barrels. It has a bold flavor profile with notes of fruit, spice, and oak. On the other hand, Hennessy VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) is aged for at least four years and has a smoother, more refined taste. It has a more complex flavor profile with notes of vanilla, honey, and floral undertones.

Is Hennessy made from grapes?

Yes, Hennessy is made from grapes. Specifically, it is made from Ugni Blanc grapes, which are grown in the Cognac region of France. The grapes are harvested, pressed, and fermented into a wine, which is then distilled twice to create the cognac.

Is Hennessy whiskey?

No, Hennessy is not whiskey. It is a type of brandy known as cognac. While both whiskey and cognac are distilled spirits, they are made from different ingredients and are subject to different regulations. Whiskey is typically made from grains such as barley, corn, or rye, while cognac is made from grapes. Additionally, cognac must be aged in oak barrels for at least two years, while whiskey has no minimum aging requirement.

In conclusion, Hennessy Cognac VS has a proof of 80 and an ABV of 40%. This means that it contains 40% alcohol by volume, which is a standard percentage for most cognacs.

Hennessy Cognac VS has a burnt wine taste with hints of oak, floral, fruit, spice, and vanilla. It is a versatile drink that can be served straight-up, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

Overall, Hennessy Cognac VS is a quality cognac that has been aged for a minimum of two years in oak barrels. It is a popular brand among cognac enthusiasts and is widely available in bars and liquor stores.

When choosing a cognac, it is important to consider personal taste preferences and budget. Hennessy Cognac VS is a great option for those who enjoy a smooth, flavorful cognac without breaking the bank.