Produced in France, Hennessy V.S.O.P. Privilège takes inspiration from a cognac commissioned in 1817 by the future King George IV of England, who requested a "Very Superior Old Pale" cognac.
Altogether there’s really nothing shocking here, but Privilege is perhaps priced too high for what it is… and not really a huge improvement over the regular Hennessy bottling. That said, I’d have no trouble using it in a cocktail.
Hennessy Privilege VSOP is an excellent Cognac which I enjoyed thoroughly as I sipped it. The spirit is full of rich oak and vanilla and, if you allow your glass a little time to breathe, also brings forward a bevy of rich fruit flavours. There is also a touch of maple sweetness which seems to bring everything together nicely.
There's just enough of a bitterness at the finish to make it interesting. This is a good step-up for beginners just getting into cognac as it isn't just all about fruit.
