Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège

Malt Mileage Rating: ★★★★

Type: Brandy

Origin: Cognac, France 

ABV: 40%

Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège is brandy that is made in the Cognac region of France.  Ugni Blanc grapes, which make dry and acidic wine that is suited to making brandy, are grown in soil within Cognac which surround the River Charente. The grapes are harvested, crushed, fermented into wine, and the wine is double distilled into distillate using Charentais copper stills. The fruity distillate, which is called eaux-de-vie, is then placed in French oak barrels to mature and develop more flavours from interacting with the wood. The wood is sourced from the Limousin or Tronçais forests in France.

The V.S.O.P (which stands for Very Superior Old Pale) is a blend of over 60 eaux-de-vie. The youngest brandy in a V.S.O.P blend must have been aged for at least four years in barrels. 

The eaux-de-vie takes a leading role in this brandy, making it elegant, fresh and fruity. Amidst the sweet fresh fruit is fig, dates and raisin. The oak, though, plays it part. There is vanilla, tobacco, cinnamon and clove. The finish is like biting a red candy apple. I could keep going, but that would be boring. Suffice to say, the beauty of this Cognac is its simplicity.