Cognac -- Hennessy VSOP -- 200 mL

Wine Review

A Whisky Lover’s First Foray into Cognac

Exploring the syrupy nuances and distinct profile of Hennessy VSOP

$18

Price

200

mL Volume

12

Annual Spirit Goal

Table of Contents

• ①Initial Reaction
• ②Second Tasting
• ③Final Thoughts

Section I

Initial Reaction

As I aimed to broaden my palate beyond whisky, I dove into the fascinating world of brandies, particularly the renowned French cognacs. With so many varieties and brands available, I was excited to start my journey. For my initial exploration, I chose a VSOP from the House of Hennessy (LVMH).

Upon my first taste, I found the Hennessy VSOP to be flavorful and sweet, with a pleasant nose. In terms of taste, it struck me as being on par with Johnnie Walker Black but less complex than Highland Park 12. The sweetness was reminiscent of Macallan 12, and I was surprised by the syrupy viscosity, akin to adding maple syrup to a less-than-stellar bottle of whisky. While this was unexpected, it wasn't off-putting; it just highlighted how different cognac can be from whisky.

Although I don’t see myself abandoning whisky for cognac, I appreciate how this experience enhances my understanding of both spirits. It allows me to appreciate the nuances of good blends and single malts while knowing when a cognac might be the right choice.

 

Section II

Second Tasting

After a few days, I revisited the Hennessy VSOP and recognized its role as an ideal after-dinner drink or digestif. The syrupy consistency continued to stand out, making it a unique experience for someone who has primarily enjoyed whiskies over the years. While I found it acceptable, I realized this sweetness and viscosity were quite different from my usual whisky encounters.

Comparative Notes

To further compare, I opened a bottle of Highland Park 12. Unsurprisingly, I still preferred whisky at this moment. There's a certain boldness and complexity in whisky that resonates more with me, while the cognac feels a bit more limited and polite, suitable for specific occasions rather than regular enjoyment.

Spirit	Profile	Best Use
Hennessy VSOP	Syrupy/Sweet	Digestif
Highland Park 12	Complex/Bold	Regular Sipping

Tip: Cognac offers a significantly different mouthfeel than whisky; if you prefer the bite of a malt, approach the syrupy viscosity of brandy as a dessert-style experience.

   

Section III

Final Thoughts

Moving forward, I plan to incorporate a bottle of cognac into my annual rotation, perhaps aiming for 11 whiskies and 1 cognac. This experience has opened my eyes to the world of brandy, and I'm excited to continue exploring its various expressions alongside my whisky favorites.

• →Hennessy VSOP — The subject of this initial exploration, noted for its sweetness.
• →Johnnie Walker Black — Used as a benchmark for flavor intensity.
• →Highland Park 12 — The preferred control spirit for complexity comparison.
• →Macallan 12 — The reference point for the sweetness profile.

Cognac may not replace my love for whisky, but it certainly adds a refreshing perspective to my tasting journey.

Expanding your palate is a journey of contrasts, not replacements.