Hennessy
Encyclopedia
Jas Hennessy & Co., or more simply Hennessy, is a world-leading cognac
house with headquarters in Cognac
, France
. Today, the company of Jas Hennessy & Co. sells about 50 million bottles a year worldwide, or more than 40 percent of the world’s Cognac, making it the world's largest Cognac producer.
, a fifth generation direct descendent of Hennessy, became the CEO of Hennessy. Kilian Hennessy spearheaded the company's 1971 merger with Moët et Chandon
, which created Moët Hennessy.
Moët Hennessy became part of Louis Vuitton
in 1987, creating one of the world's largest luxury brand conglomerates
, Moët-Hennessy • Louis Vuitton
or LVMH
. Kilian Hennessy remained on the company's advisory board
until his death in 2010 at the age of 103. The new owner Patrisha J. Hennessy who is related to the Hennessys. The next in line are Tyler and Landen, Patricia's grandsons.
In 2009, a limited edition bottle of Hennessy VS was released in honor of the inauguration of Barack Obama
as 44th president of the United States of America. The bottle featured a black label with gold lettering. Also, the circle seal towards the base of the neck featured a large 44, the phrase "In Honor of the 44th President" and the date of President Obama's inauguration. A percentage of the proceeds made from the sales of the limited edition bottles will go towards the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
, Xzibit
, J. Cole, 2Pac, Nas
, Dr. Dre
, Snoop Dogg
, Eminem
, DONNY DA DON, Nate Dogg
, Bizzy Bone
, Kanye West
, The D.O.C.
, Busta Rhymes
, Kendrick Lamar
, Plies, Mobb Deep
, Kid Cudi
, P. Diddy, Young Buck
, French Montana
, Max B
, Al Kapone
, D-Nice
, Mac Miller
and BoM Squad have mentioned the liquor in their songs. A song titled "Hennessy" was written by Tupac discussing the liquor and referring to it as "that dark shit."
Hennessy is also mentioned in 50 Cent
's song "high all the time" referring to it as "Henny". KC Tea, a mixed drink created by rapper Tech N9ne, is made with a double-shot of Hennessy, Sprite and lemon or lime juice.
Mac Dre was also a huge fan of the company and product. Kanye West mentions Hennessy as one piece of a holy trinity in his Good Friday song, "The Joy."
Kim Jong-Il was reputed connoisseur of it and has purchased $800,000 worth of it.
Hennessy was also mentioned in the 1993 movie Schindler's List
as a highly valued black market item used by Schindler, played by Liam Neeson
, as a way to gain favor with Nazi officials and officers.
surviving members, a vintage 1896 bottle of Hennessy cognac is kept for a final toast by the last two living Raiders. The bottle, along with silver goblets representing the members of the raid are maintained at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Cognac (drink)
Cognac , named after the town of Cognac in France, is a variety of brandy. It is produced in the wine-growing region surrounding the town from which it takes its name, in the French Departements of Charente and Charente-Maritime....
house with headquarters in Cognac
Cognac
Cognac is a commune in the Charente department in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department.-Geography:Cognac is situated on the river Charente between the towns of Angoulême and Saintes. The majority of the town has been built on the river's left bank, with the smaller right...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. Today, the company of Jas Hennessy & Co. sells about 50 million bottles a year worldwide, or more than 40 percent of the world’s Cognac, making it the world's largest Cognac producer.
History
The Hennessy cognac distillery was founded by Irishman Richard Hennessy in 1765. During the 1970s, Kilian HennessyKilian Hennessy
Kilian Hennessy was an French business magnate, of Irish origin, and patriarch of the Hennessy cognac company....
, a fifth generation direct descendent of Hennessy, became the CEO of Hennessy. Kilian Hennessy spearheaded the company's 1971 merger with Moët et Chandon
Moët et Chandon
Moët & Chandon , or Moët, is a French winery and co-owner of the luxury goods company Moët-Hennessy • Louis Vuitton. Moët et Chandon is one of the world's largest champagne producers and a prominent champagne house. The company holds a Royal Warrant to supply champagne to Elizabeth II...
, which created Moët Hennessy.
Moët Hennessy became part of Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton Malletier – commonly referred to as Louis Vuitton , or shortened to LV – is a French fashion house founded in 1854 by Louis Vuitton. The label is well known for its LV monogram, which is featured on most products, ranging from luxury trunks and leather goods to ready-to-wear, shoes,...
in 1987, creating one of the world's largest luxury brand conglomerates
Conglomerate (company)
A conglomerate is a combination of two or more corporations engaged in entirely different businesses that fall under one corporate structure , usually involving a parent company and several subsidiaries. Often, a conglomerate is a multi-industry company...
, Moët-Hennessy • Louis Vuitton
LVMH
LVMH Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton S.A., better known as LVMH, is a French multinational luxury goods conglomerate headquartered in Paris, Île-de-France, France. The company was formed after the 1987 merger of fashion house Louis Vuitton with Moët Hennessy, a company formed after the 1971 merger...
or LVMH
LVMH
LVMH Moët Hennessy • Louis Vuitton S.A., better known as LVMH, is a French multinational luxury goods conglomerate headquartered in Paris, Île-de-France, France. The company was formed after the 1987 merger of fashion house Louis Vuitton with Moët Hennessy, a company formed after the 1971 merger...
. Kilian Hennessy remained on the company's advisory board
Advisory board
An advisory board is a body that advises the board of directors and management of a corporation but does not have authority to vote on corporate matters, nor a legal fiduciary responsibility...
until his death in 2010 at the age of 103. The new owner Patrisha J. Hennessy who is related to the Hennessys. The next in line are Tyler and Landen, Patricia's grandsons.
Marketing
Recent innovations include trying to broaden the appeal of the drink beyond its traditional base of older drinkers, by introducing new products such as "Pure White," "Hennessy Black" and "Fine de Cognac" and marketing them accordingly.In 2009, a limited edition bottle of Hennessy VS was released in honor of the inauguration of Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
as 44th president of the United States of America. The bottle featured a black label with gold lettering. Also, the circle seal towards the base of the neck featured a large 44, the phrase "In Honor of the 44th President" and the date of President Obama's inauguration. A percentage of the proceeds made from the sales of the limited edition bottles will go towards the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Popularity
Hennessy's popularity in the younger generation has increased in recent years, due mainly to it being referenced in quite a few rap and hip-hop songs. Rappers such as Mac DreMac Dre
Andre Hicks , better known by his stage name Mac Dre, was an American rapper.-Biography:Andre Hicks was born in Oakland, California but moved to Vallejo while still a child...
, Xzibit
Xzibit
Alvin Nathaniel Joiner , better known by his stage name Xzibit , is an American rapper, actor, and television host. He is known as the host of the MTV show Pimp My Ride, which brought him mainstream success...
, J. Cole, 2Pac, Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
, Dr. Dre
Dr. Dre
Andre Romelle Young , primarily known by his stage name Dr. Dre, is an American record producer, rapper, record executive, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is the founder and current CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and a former co-owner and artist of Death Row Records...
, Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
, Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
, DONNY DA DON, Nate Dogg
Nate Dogg
Nathaniel Dwayne Hale , better known by his stage name Nate Dogg, was an American musician. He is noted for his membership of rap trio 213 and his solo career in which he collaborated with Dr. Dre, Warren G, Tupac and Snoop Dogg on many hit releases. Nate Dogg released three solo albums, G-Funk...
, Bizzy Bone
Bizzy Bone
Bryon Anthony McCane II , better known by his stage name Bizzy Bone, is an American rapper and a member of the Cleveland rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.- Solo career :Bizzy Bone started his solo career in 1998...
, Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
, The D.O.C.
The D.O.C.
Tracy Lynn Curry , primarily known by his stage name The D.O.C., is an American rapper from Dallas, Texas. In addition to a solo career, he was a member of the hip hop group Fila Fresh Crew, and a creative force behind the gangsta rap group N.W.A, where he co-wrote many of their releases. He has...
, Busta Rhymes
Busta Rhymes
Trevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...
, Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar , formerly known by his stage name K. Dot, is an American rapper, and songwriter. He first gained major attention after the release of his 2010 mixtape O D. In 2011, his album Section.80, released exclusively through iTunes, instantly ranked as one of the top digital hip-hop releases...
, Plies, Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep is an American hip hop duo from Queensbridge, Queens, New York, U.S., that consists of Havoc and Prodigy. The duo is "one of the most critically acclaimed hardcore East Coast hip-hop groups." The group is best known for its dark, hardcore delivery, as exemplified by the single "Shook Ones...
, Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi , better known by his stage name Kid Cudi , sometimes stylized KiD CuDi, is an American rapper, singer and actor. He first gained major attention after the release of his debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi. In 2009, his single "Day 'n' Nite" reached the top five of the...
, P. Diddy, Young Buck
Young Buck
David Darnell Brown , also known as Young Buck, is an American Southern rapper. Buck is a former member of the New York City Hip-Hop group G-Unit, also a former artist of G-Unit Records as of Nov 26, 2011...
, French Montana
French Montana
French Montana is an American rapper and singer of Moroccan and Somali descent. He is the founder of Cocaine City Records.-Background:Karim Kharbouch, better known by his stage name French Montana, was born in Rabat, Morocco...
, Max B
Max B
Charly Wingate , better known as Max B, is an American rapper and songwriter from Harlem and is known for his original rap style of mumbled delivery, catchy sing-song choruses & hooks, and his energetic personality in interviews and videos.In 2009, Max B began serving a 75-year prison sentence for...
, Al Kapone
Al Kapone
This article is about the American rapper, for the notorious gangster, see Al CaponeAlphonzo Bailey, better known by his stage name Al Kapone, is an American rapper from Memphis, Tennessee.-Career:...
, D-Nice
D-Nice
D-Nice is the stage name of discjockey, beatboxer, rapper, producer and photographer who began his career in the mid-1980s with the hip hop group Boogie Down Productions.-Career:...
, Mac Miller
Mac Miller
Malcolm McCormick , known by his stage name Mac Miller , is an American rapper from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...
and BoM Squad have mentioned the liquor in their songs. A song titled "Hennessy" was written by Tupac discussing the liquor and referring to it as "that dark shit."
Hennessy is also mentioned in 50 Cent
50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
's song "high all the time" referring to it as "Henny". KC Tea, a mixed drink created by rapper Tech N9ne, is made with a double-shot of Hennessy, Sprite and lemon or lime juice.
Mac Dre was also a huge fan of the company and product. Kanye West mentions Hennessy as one piece of a holy trinity in his Good Friday song, "The Joy."
Kim Jong-Il was reputed connoisseur of it and has purchased $800,000 worth of it.
Hennessy was also mentioned in the 1993 movie Schindler's List
Schindler's List
Schindler's List is a 1993 American film about Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg, and based on the novel Schindler's Ark...
as a highly valued black market item used by Schindler, played by Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson
Liam John Neeson, OBE is an Irish actor who has been nominated for an Oscar, a BAFTA and three Golden Globe Awards.He has starred in a number of notable roles including Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List, Michael Collins in Michael Collins, Peyton Westlake in Darkman, Jean Valjean in Les...
, as a way to gain favor with Nazi officials and officers.
Connection with the Doolittle Raid
As part of an annual reunion of the Doolittle RaidDoolittle Raid
The Doolittle Raid, on 18 April 1942, was the first air raid by the United States to strike the Japanese Home Islands during World War II. By demonstrating that Japan itself was vulnerable to American air attack, it provided a vital morale boost and opportunity for U.S. retaliation after the...
surviving members, a vintage 1896 bottle of Hennessy cognac is kept for a final toast by the last two living Raiders. The bottle, along with silver goblets representing the members of the raid are maintained at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Products
- Hennessy Black (currently in limited release)
- Hennessy White
- Hennessy V.S
- Privilége V.S.O.P
- Fine de Cognac
- Hennessy X.O
- Deutschland Moet Hennessy
- Pure White
- Private Reserve
- Hennessy Paradis
- Hennessy Diptyque
- Richard Hennessy
- Timeless: (only 2000 bottles produced)
- Ellipse: (only 2000 bottles produced)
- Beauté du Siècle (only 100 bottles produced, comes in chest)
- Hennessy VVVV (1860)
- Hennessy No.1
- Hennessy Silver Jubilee (1977)
- Hennessy First Landing 1868
- Hennessy Prive (bottled for Japan)
- Hennessy Library decanter
Collectors Bottles
- Hennessy VS "No 1" 2009 Artists Kesh and David Burrows
- Hennessy VS "44" 2009 Honor of 44th president
- Hennessy VS "NUL" 2010 Natioal Urban League
- Hennessy VS "BOA" 2010 Blending of Art (5 different bottles with 2 designers per)
- Hennessy VS "KAWS" 2011 New York graffiti artist KAWS design
- Hennessy Fine De Cognac and Tea 2011 Tea House Maison de Thé Théodor
- Hennessy VSOP Helios 2011 Gold Bottle (Named after greek god of sun)
- Hennessy VSOP "NyX" 2011 Platinum bottle (label glows under black light)
- Hennessy XO Odyssey 2007-2011 Released every year since 07 (2011 bottle sits on rock formation)
- Hennessy Kenzo year Fashion designer Kenzo (subsidiary of LVMH)
- Hennessy Red Book 2011 Levandovka filling