Representing centuries of Cognac making, Hennessy Cognac VS is a timeless icon. Maison Hennessy uses casks of French Limousin oak to age their VS Cognac, imparting a robust, nutty note to complement the light and fruity grape characteristics. Before they even get to touch the spirit, the wood for the casks has been left outside for several years, exposing it to the changing seasons to reduce bitter flavors and develop a natural vanilla sweetness. It might be a French icon, but Maison Hennessy was actually founded by an Irishman named Richard Hennessy in 1765. Deep golden color with flashes of ruby. Nose: Wild Limousin oak rises from the glass, alongside grilled almonds, hazelnut and vanilla. There’s a warming presence of vanilla at the back and just a hint of ground ginger. Palate: Fresh grape and green apples at the forefront, representing the younger elements in the blend, followed by more mature flavors of orange and wood staves. The ginger on the nose slowly develops into a finish of warming winter spices - cinnamon and clove.